Causeway Hospital’s new MRI scanner marks “momentous day” for patients

The new MRI scanner arriving at the Causeway Hospital

Causeway Hospital has welcomed the arrival of its first MRI scanner, signalling a major investment in healthcare provision for the north west.

The delivery of the cutting-edge diagnostic equipment represents a landmark moment for the Coleraine-based hospital, with patients set to benefit from on-site scans for the first time next month.

Lynne McCartney, Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, described the development as a “momentous day” for the hospital and wider community.

Lynne McCartney, Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services

She said:

“This is a momentous day for our patients and staff at Causeway Hospital, as well as the wider area. With access to advanced diagnostics on site for the very first time, our inpatients will no longer have to be transported to Antrim for scans, which will make a huge difference to their care experience.

“We have always been very clear about our commitment to Causeway, setting out a vision for the its strategic future as a key part of our acute hospital network with an ambition to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the north west area. Having an MRI scanner at the hospital is a game-changer for us as we work towards this goal.

“This investment signals our confidence in Causeway Hospital and we hope this is shared by the local community as we look forward to realising its benefits for everyone in the Causeway locality and beyond.”

The project has been hailed as a team achievement, with Northern Trust Project Manager Kevin McDevitt highlighting the extensive collaboration involved.

He said:

“Reaching this stage of the development has been a real team effort, with Estates working closely with our clinical colleagues from initial planning stages through to construction and delivery before we become fully operational.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for Causeway Hospital following on from other recent investment projects and we’re very proud to have played our part in this.”

The MRI installation follows a series of major upgrades at Causeway Hospital in recent years. These include the opening of two ambulatory care units, designed to provide same-day treatment without the need for admission, and the completion of a major solar roof installation – the largest in any health and social care setting in Northern Ireland and one of the biggest on the island of Ireland.

The new scanner is expected to enhance patient care across the Causeway area, reducing travel for diagnostics while strengthening the hospital’s position within the Northern Trust’s acute network.