Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has renewed calls for a permanent MRI scanner at Dr Gray’s Hospital following a visit to staff working at the current mobile unit in Elgin.
The mobile MRI scanner has been in place since 1 December and has already allowed hundreds of patients to be scanned locally rather than travelling to Aberdeen.
Mr Lochhead said the temporary service has eased pressure on patients and families, but warned that its limitations mean not everyone in Moray can currently access scans at Dr Gray’s.
He is now calling for the mobile scanner to remain in place beyond March and for NHS Grampian to bring forward plans for a permanent MRI scanner as soon as possible.
Dr Gray’s Hospital serves a wide rural area, and patients often face long return journeys to Aberdeen for diagnostic scans.
Mr Lochhead said those journeys place additional strain on people who are already unwell, as well as on carers and families.
He said the current mobile scanner has demonstrated clear demand and underlined the long standing case for a permanent facility in Elgin.
Richard Lochhead said:
“The mobile scanner that is temporarily based at Dr Gray’s is very welcome and hundreds of patients have been scanned in Elgin, removing the need for a return journey to Aberdeen, but it is more limited than a permanent scanner so some patients do still have to travel.
“This vindicates the case for getting plans a new permanent MRI scanner back on to the table, which would save thousands of patients every year from having to travel to Aberdeen.
“In fact, I’m told some of the infrastructure required for a permanent scanner has already been installed to serve the mobile scanner so that should save some costs going forward.
“In the meantime, we need to see the contract for the mobile scanner extended beyond the end of March.
“So, to save thousands of Moray patients having to make the return journey to Aberdeen, we need to keep the mobile scanner beyond March, and plans for a new permanent scanner back on the table and progressed by NHS Grampian as soon as possible.
“I also understand Dr Gray’s would benefit from an additional CT scanner as well and I will also be raising that with NHS Grampian.”
Campaigners have long argued that improved diagnostic facilities at Dr Gray’s would reduce travel, speed up diagnosis and improve patient experience across Moray.
