Update sought on plans to bring MRI scanner to Dr Gray’s

By Lauren Taylor

December 1 2022, 3:54 pm

MSP Richard Lochhead, pictured outside Dr Gray's Hospital.

An MRI scanner in Moray would be a “real boost” for patients and save them travelling to Aberdeen, an MSP has said.

Richard Lochhead has written to NHS Grampian asking for an update and some “definitive timescales” on plans for an MRI scanner at Dr Gray’s.

The MSP has campaigned for an MRI scanner for the hospital for a number of years and believes it could save many people in Moray from having to travel to Aberdeen for scans.

This follows reports that a new hospital could be on the cards for Elgin after “considerable feedback” found Dr Grays is no longer “fit for purpose”.

However, health bosses say it’s not yet clear if this will be the best solution to their problems.

Investment needed to support needs of locals

Mr Lochhead believes the MRI scanner would be an “investment” that would ensure Dr Gray’s can support the needs of locals.

He said: “NHS Grampian’s plans for an MRI scanner for Dr Gray’s will be a real boost for patients in Moray and for the hospital more widely. Having this facility on our doorstep would save many people in Moray from having to travel to Aberdeen for scans.

“These are the kind of investments we need NHS Grampian to be making in Dr Gray’s if we’re to have a general hospital that can support the needs of the local population.”

Moray patients are currently travelling over 100 miles to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and back for scans. Image: Kenny Elrick / DC Thomson.

He said constituents are “keen” for an MRI scanner to be up and running at the local hospital as soon as possible.

Now, he’s asking for timescales so the community can see when the service will “finally” be available in Moray.

He said: “I’m really keen to see some definitive timescales set out by NHS Grampian for this project so the community can clearly see when work will begin and when we will finally see this service available in Moray, given people are keen for it to be up and running as soon as possible.”

Alasdair Pattinson, general manager at Dr Gray’s Hospital said: “We are working on a programme for the MRI project at Dr Gray’s Hospital which will be presented to Grampian NHS Board in the coming months.

“The project will be made possible through National Treatment Centre funding and will coincide with additional investment and improvement works planned at the hospital.”