Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
138. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if she is aware there is no PET scanner located in University Hospital Galway; her plans to ensure this is rectified; whether she accepts that a PET scanner is vital in a model four hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50876/26]
View answerThe HSE have advised that while there is no PET scanner on site at University Hospital Galway, there is an agreement to provide PET scans to patients at other sites. At present, patients in the HSE West and North West region are referred to the local private hospital (Blackrock Health Galway Clinic) or to a Dublin Hospital for PET scans.
Options to deliver additional PET scanning capacity are being examined, this includes sourcing additional services by third party suppliers.
A Development Control Plan for the Merlin Park Campus is currently being developed and PET scanning facilities are being considered as part of the overall radiology brief to be included in the Development Control Plan. The phased sequencing for delivering individual projects on the Campus has yet to be finalised. This phasing will factor in Department of Health and HSE priorities, the urgency of clinical and service needs and affordability including speed of delivery.
