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14/06/2004
New ultrasound machine a first for NI
Secretary of State, Paul Murphy has said that a new ultrasound machine, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, will enable staff to diagnose severe arthritis at a much earlier stage.
Mr Murphy was speaking during a visit to Musgrave Park Hospital where he viewed the newly installed ultrasound machine.
The machine will be used for the early detection of conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which affects over 10,000 people in Northern Ireland.
After viewing the equipment the Secretary of State said: "Once again we see how the latest technology can bring significant improvements in patient care through early diagnosis, the effects of treatment and the ongoing monitoring of disease.
"Musgrave Park Hospital is a national leader in research into rheumatoid arthritis and is at the forefront of providing new treatments to patients in Northern Ireland. This is a good example of co-operation between the private and public sectors and I am delighted that Abbott Laboratories have been so generous in their support."
After touring the Biologic Therapies Assessment Unit and meeting patients being treated for severe rheumatic disease Mr Murphy added: "There is an increasing demand for specialist medicines of all types. This year the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has made an additional £1 million available to provide more anti-TNF drugs, which are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This will help reduce waiting lists and make the treatment more widely available."
The top-of-the-range ultrasound machine, the Siemen's Sonoline ANTARES was donated to Green Park Healthcare Trust by Abbott Laboratories.
(MB)
Mr Murphy was speaking during a visit to Musgrave Park Hospital where he viewed the newly installed ultrasound machine.
The machine will be used for the early detection of conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which affects over 10,000 people in Northern Ireland.
After viewing the equipment the Secretary of State said: "Once again we see how the latest technology can bring significant improvements in patient care through early diagnosis, the effects of treatment and the ongoing monitoring of disease.
"Musgrave Park Hospital is a national leader in research into rheumatoid arthritis and is at the forefront of providing new treatments to patients in Northern Ireland. This is a good example of co-operation between the private and public sectors and I am delighted that Abbott Laboratories have been so generous in their support."
After touring the Biologic Therapies Assessment Unit and meeting patients being treated for severe rheumatic disease Mr Murphy added: "There is an increasing demand for specialist medicines of all types. This year the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has made an additional £1 million available to provide more anti-TNF drugs, which are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This will help reduce waiting lists and make the treatment more widely available."
The top-of-the-range ultrasound machine, the Siemen's Sonoline ANTARES was donated to Green Park Healthcare Trust by Abbott Laboratories.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
