8 July 1998

REPORT: TOM GILLESPIE

MINISTER for State Tom Moffatt has assured the committee who raised in excess of £400,000 for the provision of a Cat Scan machine for the Mayo General Hospital that the Government would fund the on-going operational costs of the facility.

He was speaking at a reception at Mayo General to mark the winding down of the Cat Scan fund which had succeeded in its goal in just over two years. He was reiterating a promise made by Health Minister Mr. Brian Cowen fund the facility once the machine was in place.

Mr. Ward McEllin chairman of the fund raising committee said their group was set up over two year ago to raise the necessary funds to purchase the Cat Scan machine for the Mayo General Hospital.

They sought the support of the people of Mayo and further afield and a lot of hard work went into the campaign. The success of the drive had now realised over £400,000 and the Cat Scan machine would be provided in conjunction of phase two of the hospital development plan.

"The facility has been provided for the people of Mayo by the people of Mayo", he said.

Minister of State Tom Moffatt, he said, told them some months ago that the Government would not be found wanting in insuring that the necessary approval would be given to the Western Health Board to allow the projet proceed.

Ms. Sheelagh Ryan Chief Executive Officer of the WHB said she was very pleased to be present for the announcement of the winding down of the Cat Scan appeal fund. She thanked everybody associated with the campaign, both those on the committee and those who contributed to the fund.

She outlined that everything was in place for the phase two development of the Mayo General and it was her wish that the Cat Scan facility would be provided at the complex 'sooner than later'. They would seek quotations for the purchase of the machine which was a vital part of the equipment for any hospital.

Minister Moffatt said all of the committee must be lauded for the great amount of money that had raised through a voluntary effort which should be complimented by Government input also.

He added: "I am glad to say that the Government, that when it heard monies were being collected , minister Cowen did not hesitate whatsoever in saying that he would fund the on-ging operational costs of the Cat Scan."

When phase two was completed Mayo General would be one of the best county hospitals in the country, with all the necessary equipment to bring it up the standards of the modern hospitals.

"That is only right. Mayo has waited long enough. The cat Scan will be an important product here in Mayo General and our patients will not have to go far afield for the necessary investigations. It will help everyone here in the hospital.

"I am glad to say the people of Mayo have not been found wanting in regard to putting their shoulders behind the wheel on this occasion, as in many previous occasions.

"On behalf of the Government I say well done to you all," he said.

Mr. McEllin thanked his own committee who worked so hard asc well as the tremendous support that was forthcoming form our emigrants. He added: "We are delighted with the success. There is now a trust in place so whoever now wishes to organise the next project for the hospital we have the framework set up for them and we wish them well."

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - July 1998