Causeway Hospital has celebrated a major milestone 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.

Charmaine Dunlop, from Coleraine became the 3,000th patient to use the new scanner.

Lesley Thompson, Sinead Mellon and Megan Westall, staff from the MRI Unit at Causeway Hospital.

placeholder image — Lesley Thompson, Sinead Mellon and Megan Westall, staff from the MRI Unit at Causeway Hospital.

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.”

Charmaine Dunlop from Coleraine, who was the 3,000th patient to receive an MRI scan at Causeway Hospital.

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.”