David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East has welcomed the opening of Cork University Hospital’s (CUH) PET/CT Scanning Unit today, Friday, 18th May.
“I am pleased that the PET/CT scanner is now operational in CUH, albeit on a limited basis. This unit has been lying idle since 2009 and is the only such scanner in the Munster area. Up until now all patients in Cork and the surrounding area had been forced to travel to St James’ Hospital in Dublin for PET/CT scans,” said Deputy Stanton.
“I understand from the HSE that, following a public procurement process, the operation of the PET/CT scanner has been contracted out to Alliance Medical and that initially the unit will only be operational for two days a week catering for public patients only. I believe that discussions are continuing with private health insurance companies to cover scans for all their customers in CUH also. Unfortunately, until an agreement is reached, some private health insurance customers will continue to travel to Dublin for scans.
“Despite the restrictions I am happy that the PET/CT unit is finally up and running. PET/CT scans are an essential diagnostic tool for people suffering from cancer and other illnesses and as such are a vital part of health services. I look forward to the PET/CT unit being operational on a full time basis in CUH soon.