AQW 1023/22-27

Mr Justin McNulty
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Newry and Armagh

Tabled Date: 06/06/2022
Answered On Date: 20/06/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for a breakdown of the total estimated cost for the installation of an MRI scanner and the associated upgrade in electrical infrastructure required to facilitate its installation.

Answer:

In June 2021 the Department wrote to all Health Organisations as part of the Budget 2022-25 process seeking to update the costs in the draft 10 year capital plan, given the increase in the price of materials, and asked that they identify any new projects that have emerged since their original priorities were submitted.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust submitted a new proposal for a twin diagnostic suite at Daisy Hill Hospital, including the provision of a MRI and second permanent CT scanner. The estimated cost of this development is £9.1m.

The Trust has advised the cost associated with the purchase of a new MRI scanner at Daisy Hill Hospital is £1.1m whilst the associated capital cost to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to support this service on the hospital site is £10m.