Why can I still not get my MRI scan done here?

A PENSIONER claims he was denied an MRI scan because essential components of the machine have not been installed. But Health and Social Services has countered that the anaesthesia he required is not available to scan patients in Jersey - but soon should be here.

Mike Chandler, 69, said the radiology department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital could not conduct the scan safely because it was not able to provide the necessary environment with either anaesthetic or appropriate monitoring equipment.

Mr Chandler has already undergone a failed attempt at an MRI scan at Southampton General Hospital.

The St Peter Port resident, whose medical condition meant he was unable to speak at length, said it was an unsatisfactory state of affairs.

'Through the efforts of the public, who raised money for it, we have an MRI unit at the PEH,' said Mr Chandler.

'Now a strange irony occurs where we now have superb top-of-the-range equipment, but alas, lacking some ancillary components essential for the completion of the full function of the MRI.

'The States must provide all ancillary components for the benefit of those people who need special observation.'

Senior manager of diagnostic services and outpatients Jan Coleman said the Guernsey service was always intended to mirror that provided in Jersey, which did not include anaesthetic facilities.

'In fact the replacement programme in Jersey does still not include anaesthetics,' she said.

She said future developments at the PEH included anaesthesia within MRI, with preparation work undertaken during the implementation period.

'Funding for the purchase of the necessary equipment has been secured within the Health and Social Services Department capital allocation for 2008 and this will therefore enable, in future, the approximate 1% of patients who require to be anaesthetised.'