A new regional MRI suite could be built at South Tyrone Hospital in Dungannon.
The facility – branded as a rapid diagnostic centre – has been earmarked for an area within an existing car park and bin storage area.
Proposals by the Southern Health Trust have now gone to Mid-Ulster District Council for consideration.
The new centre – which would be a modular construction – would have a floorspace of more than 3,500 sq ft.
It would provide production, office and storage facilities, as well as ‘ancillary’ uses, and sit to the rear of the main South Tyrone Hospital site.
The two-storey structure opens into an entrance lobby, complete with office, reception and seted waiting area.
Accommoation includes an interview room, changing facilities, control room, equipment room and a prep/bed area next to the all-important feature – a shielded ‘scan’ room with a full-body MRI scanner at its centre.
The first floor contains chiller units, plant room, switch room and boiler houses.
The development, if approved, would help reduce waiting lists for MRI scans and test results within the Southern Trust area.
The proposals will now be advertised shortly with a recommendation to follow in the coming months.
