Causeway Hospital MRI scanner supports more than 3,000 patients in first year
Local patient Charmaine Dunlop becomes the 3,000th person to use the new scanner, praising the end of long hospital transfers
Causeway Hospital is celebrating a major milestone ahead of World Radiography Day, as more than 3,000 patients have now benefited from its new MRI scanner.
Since becoming operational in October 2025, the new MRI scanner has carried out more than 4,500 diagnostic tests for over 3,000 patients.
Reaching this significant milestone within its first year reflects the important role the service plays in supporting both hospital inpatients and outpatients.
The achievement also comes ahead of World Radiography Day on November 8, an annual occasion recognising the vital contribution of radiographers and medical imaging.
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.
“What is particularly encouraging is that we have exceeded our own projections for the number of scans delivered during the first year. This means more patients are receiving timely diagnostic investigations.
“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.”
Causeway Hospital celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2026. To mark the occasion, the Trust published an update on progress made on its Strategic Vision for Causeway, including:
- £1.2m solar roof installation
- £1.8m investment in ambulatory (same-day) care
- The appointment of the hospital’s first Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- The introduction of a 24/7 mental health liaison service
- Expansion of Emergency Department consultant team and appointment of six Specialty Doctors in cardiology, frailty and paediatrics
Read more about the Strategic Vision for Causeway on the Trust’s website.