§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to replace the MRI scanners used in Shropshire NHS trusts. [125147]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 11 July 2003]: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners at the Princess Royal Hospital National Health Service Trust and the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust fit within the criteria for replacement indicated in my right hon. Friend, the then Secretary of State's announcement on the 22 May 2003, Official Report, column 47WS. It is proposed that the scanner at the Princess Royal Hospital NHS Trust will be replaced when the current service agreement expires in April 2004. It is proposed to replace the other scanner during 2005–06
The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital NHS Trust has recently been awarded an additional MRI scanner from a "New Opportunities Fund initiative". This is likely to be installed before the end of 2004.