New PET CT Scanner at Bon Secours Hospital Limerick to Enhance Patient Care

LIMERICK, Ireland — The introduction of the first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) CT scanner in the Mid-West region is set to significantly improve patient care and reduce waiting times, according to Bon Secours Hospital Limerick and Alliance Medical. The scanner, which will be operational by October 2025, is part of the hospital's new Clinical Services Hub located beside the facility in Ballysimon. This state-of-the-art imaging technology combines metabolic and anatomical imaging, allowing for earlier and more precise detection of conditions such as cancer, cardiac diseases, and neurological disorders.

In a formal statement, Malcolm Banks, Managing Director of Alliance Medical Ireland, emphasized the importance of local access to advanced diagnostic services. "As a company headquartered in Limerick for 25 years, this is an investment in the Mid-West. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring patients have rapid access to world-class diagnostic services, delivered locally and in a fully integrated clinical setting. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, and the Clinical Services Hub will ensure patients benefit from faster access and more coordinated care," Banks stated on July 19, 2025.

The addition of the PET CT scanner is considered a major advancement for healthcare in the region. A spokesperson for Alliance Medical noted, "By combining advanced diagnostic imaging with fully integrated care, it can ensure that patients benefit from more precise staging, faster interventions, and more personalized care closer to home."

Previously, patients in need of a PET CT scan were required to travel to Dublin or Cork, often resulting in prolonged waiting times and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The new service aims to alleviate these challenges, providing timely access to critical imaging services.

According to a report by the Health Service Executive (HSE) dated June 2025, the introduction of PET CT services is anticipated to enhance early detection capabilities and yield better treatment outcomes for patients. The HSE supports the initiative as part of its broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery in Ireland, especially in underserved regions.

Dr. Laura McCarthy, a Radiologist at University Hospital Limerick, expressed optimism regarding the new technology. "The introduction of a PET CT scanner in Limerick is a pivotal step forward. It will not only expedite the diagnostic process but also enable us to deliver more effective treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs," she stated in a recent interview.

The PET CT service is expected to play a crucial role in the management of cancer patients, facilitating precise staging and monitoring of treatment response. As stated in a 2023 publication by the Irish Cancer Society, early detection significantly boosts survival rates, making advancements in imaging technology crucial for patient outcomes.

The establishment of the Clinical Services Hub and the integration of the PET CT scanner aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and patient care quality across Ireland. This initiative is also in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization, which advocates for improved access to diagnostic services to ensure timely healthcare interventions.

In conclusion, the new PET CT scanner at Bon Secours Hospital Limerick marks a significant enhancement in local healthcare services, promising to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes in the Mid-West region. As the facility prepares for its launch, healthcare professionals, patients, and the local community look forward to the benefits that this advanced imaging technology will bring. The initiative underscores a commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare closer to home, ultimately aiming to improve the overall health landscape in the region.