MRI test scans carried out ahead of service getting underway
SHETLAND’s new MRI scanner is expected to open for service in the weeks ahead.
Initial test scans were held last week at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick with volunteer patients.
Speaking to a meeting of the NHS Shetland board on Tuesday, vice-chair Natasha Cornick said the organisation is still in process of finalising the clinical pathway with NHS Grampian.
Cornick said NHS Shetland would also be recruiting an administration worker to deal with bookings.
“We aim to grow the service over the coming weeks once we have the arrangements in place,” she said.
The meeting heard there are also plans to hold a “thank you” event later this summer for those who fundraised for the scanner.
Almost £2 million was raised through the Shetland MRI scanner appeal, with the total cost of bringing the new facility to Shetland and housing it in the Gilbert Bain Hospital costing around £3.5 million.
Having an MRI in Shetland means that many people will no longer have to travel to the Scottish mainland for scans.
Meanwhile Cornick said there will be an opening event next Monday for new Polycrubs which have been installed near to the NHS headquarters at Montfield in Lerwick.
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