Causeway MRI scanner supports over 3,000 patients in first year

Causeway Hospital is celebrating a major milestone ahead of World Radiography Day.

Since becoming operational in October 2025, the new MRI scanner has carried out more than 4,500 diagnostic tests for over 3,000 patients.

Charmaine Dunlop, from Coleraine became the 3,000th patient to use the new scanner. Speaking afterwards, she said: “The scanner being in Coleraine is fantastic, it means we don’t have to travel, and for patients in the hospital it means they don’t have to be transferred. It’s valuable for everyone in the area.”

Lynne McCartney, Interim Director of Surgery, Women’s Health and Diagnostic Services with the Trust, said: “We knew the MRI scanner at Causeway Hospital would make a significant difference, and these figures demonstrate the impact it is already having for our patients and services.

“The scanner is also helping to ease pressure on our Ambulance Service colleagues, who previously had to transfer patients to Antrim Area Hospital for MRI scans. That capacity can now be used to support other patients across the local area.”

Lynne, continued: “We have always been clear that Causeway is, and will remain, a key part of our acute hospital network. Our ambition is for Causeway to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the North-West region and with our new MRI unit now operational, we are a step closer to achieving that goal.”

Highlighting the improved experience for patients, Lesley Thompson, Lead radiographer at the MRI unit, said: “We are extremely grateful to have the service now on the Causeway site. It improves the pathway for patients and means that local patients, as well as those from across Northern Ireland, can access MRI scanning in a timely manner and receive a diagnosis more quickly.

“Patients and their families have been extremely positive about the service and the benefits it brings to the local community.”