HC Deb 27 October 1988 vol 139 cc324-5W
Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the number of magnetic resonance imaging scanners in National Health Service hospitals paid for by charitable donations.

Mrs. Currie

To date the capital cost of nine magnetic resonance scanners in National Health Service hospitals has been paid for by charitable donation. One of the nine received some contribution from the Department of Trade and Industry and another from a regional health authority.

The revenue costs of all National Health Service scanners are paid from a variety of sources and include charitable donations, research bodies such as the Medical Research Council and Cancer Research Campaign, with approximately 50 per cent. receiving funding either wholly or in part from district health authorities.

Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the number of magnetic resonance imaging scanners in National Health Service hospitals and the number in the private sector.

Mrs. Currie

There are 19 magnetic resonance imaging scanners in National Health Service hospitals, including Scotland, and five in the private sector.

Mr. Galbraith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for increasing the number of magnetic resonance imaging scanners in National Health hospitals.

Mrs. Currie

Within the total resources available to them, health authorities determine their own level of spending on capital equipment in the light of local knowledge, health needs and requirements. The Government believe that decisions about the relative priority of particular equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging scanners, amongst the competing demands for resources, are best taken locally.

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