Lo welcomes MRI Scanner for children

Alliance MLA Anna Lo has welcomed the Health Minister’s announcement that his department will invest £2.75 million in an MRI scanner at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

The MLA for South Belfast has been a long-time campaigner for a scanner, which she believes is essential in ensuring the most up-to-date treatment is available at the children’s hospital.

The Health Minister announced plans this week for the MRI scanner, with the Health and Social Care Board set to provide on-going running costs of £1.9 million.

Anna Lo MLA said: “I welcome this news today. Northern Ireland is currently the only region in the UK without a dedicated MRI Scanner for children, something which had to change.

“I have been a firm supporter and campaigner for an MRI Scanner at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. While I welcome the Minister’s decision, in my view it is a decision that should have been made long before now.

“Throughout this long process it is children and young people who have been suffering. Too many have been left on waiting lists, with many more being forced to travel to the republic for a service that should have been available here.

“I want to praise the hard work of the dedicated people behind the Scanner Appeal, who have fought hard to highlight the need for this service in Belfastand helped to raise the necessary fund to purchase the scanner.’

“I hope the Minister is able to secure the service in Belfast in good time. This news will make a great difference to all in need of the service.”

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