08/12/2004

Antrim Area Hospital MRI Unit opened by Minister

Health Minister Angela Smith today officially opened the £2 million MRI Unit at Antrim Area Hospital.

The unit will play a vital role in the diagnosis of cancer and will build gradually to offer a full MRI service to around 2,500 patients a year, including scanning of brain, spinal, musculoskeletal, breast, cardiac and oncology conditions.

The Minister said: “This unit will make a real difference to people and help to consolidate Antrim Area Hospital’s position as an Area Cancer Unit.

"It is a prime example of how new technologies can be introduced in our hospital services and still be located at the heart of local communities, easily accessible to the people who need them.”

Meanwhile, Ms Smith has also attended celebrations to mark the completion of a two-year refurbishment of mental health facilities at Holywell Hospital, Antrim.

The £2.3 million Holywell modernisation programme involved the establishment of three acute admission wards, the provision of a challenging behaviour ward and the refurbishment of the rehabilitation ward.

It also included the establishment of Crisis Response and Assertive Outreach teams, who are tasked with preventing re-admissions, by administering home treatment to former patients.

(MB)

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