Causeway Hospital MRI scanner delivers 4,500 tests for more than 3,000 patients in first year
Lesley Thompson, Sinead Mellon and Megan Westall, staff from the MRI Unit at Causeway Hospital.
Thursday 5 November 2026
More than 3,000 patients have benefited from a new MRI scanner at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine during its first year, reducing the need for patients to travel to Antrim Area Hospital for diagnostic tests.
The scanner, which became operational in October 2025, has carried out more than 4,500 tests, exceeding the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s original projections and strengthening access to diagnostic services across the Causeway area.
The milestone highlights the practical benefits of providing MRI scanning locally, particularly for hospital inpatients who previously required ambulance transfers to Antrim for examinations.
Less travel and faster access to diagnosis
Among those benefiting is Coleraine woman Charmaine Dunlop, who became the 3,000th patient to use the new scanner.
Charmaine Dunlop from Coleraine, who was the 3,000th patient to receive an MRI scan at Causeway Hospital.
Speaking about the difference the service makes for local people, she said:
“The scanner being in Coleraine is fantastic, it means we don’t have to travel, and for patients in the hospital it means they don’t have to be transferred. It’s valuable for everyone in the area.”
The scanner supports both inpatients and outpatients, providing diagnostic investigations closer to home while reducing demand on ambulance resources previously needed to transport patients between hospitals.
Lynne McCartney, Interim Director of Surgery, Women’s Health and Diagnostic Services with the Northern Trust, said the first-year figures demonstrate the difference the investment is making.
“We knew the MRI scanner at Causeway Hospital would make a significant difference, and these figures demonstrate the impact it is already having for our patients and services.
“What is particularly encouraging is that we have exceeded our own projections for the number of scans delivered during the first year. This means more patients are receiving timely diagnostic investigations.
“The scanner is also helping to ease pressure on our Ambulance Service colleagues, who previously had to transfer patients to Antrim Area Hospital for MRI scans. That capacity can now be used to support other patients across the local area.”
A growing diagnostic role for Causeway Hospital
The success of the MRI service forms part of the Trust’s wider ambition to develop Causeway Hospital as a centre for planned treatment and diagnostic investigations serving the North-West.
Ms McCartney reaffirmed the hospital’s place within the Trust’s acute hospital network and outlined its longer-term direction.
“We have always been clear that Causeway is, and will remain, a key part of our acute hospital network. Our ambition is for Causeway to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the North-West region and with our new MRI unit now operational, we are a step closer to achieving that goal.”
An elective and diagnostic hub would focus on planned healthcare, including investigations and treatments arranged in advance, alongside the hospital’s existing services.
Lesley Thompson, Lead Radiographer at the MRI unit, said the scanner was improving patients’ experience and access to investigations.
“We are extremely grateful to have the service now on the Causeway site. It improves the pathway for patients and means that local patients, as well as those from across Northern Ireland, can access MRI scanning in a timely manner and receive a diagnosis more quickly.
“Patients and their families have been extremely positive about the service and the benefits it brings to the local community.”
Further investment in hospital services
The MRI milestone follows Causeway Hospital’s 25th anniversary in May 2026, when the Northern Trust published an update on progress under its Strategic Vision for Causeway.
The update highlighted several developments intended to strengthen hospital facilities, patient care and specialist services, including:
• A £1.2 million solar roof installation.
• £1.8 million investment in ambulatory care, allowing suitable patients to receive assessment and treatment without an overnight hospital stay.
• Appointment of the hospital’s first Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
• Introduction of a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week mental health liaison service.
• Expansion of the Emergency Department consultant team.
• Appointment of six Specialty Doctors across cardiology, frailty and paediatrics.
The Trust says these developments form part of its continuing commitment to Causeway Hospital and its role in delivering healthcare across the region.
Further information about the Strategic Vision for Causeway is available here.
Recognising the people behind the scans
The first-year milestone comes ahead of World Radiography Day on Sunday 8 November, which recognises the contribution of radiographers and medical imaging professionals to diagnosing and treating patients.
For Causeway Hospital, the figures provide an early indication of the demand for locally delivered MRI services and the benefits of reducing unnecessary transfers between hospitals.
With more than 4,500 tests already completed, the scanner is now an established part of the hospital’s diagnostic provision, supporting the Trust’s longer-term plans while allowing more patients to receive essential investigations closer to home.
