Confirmation has been received that a temporary mobile MRI scanner is set to be installed at Dr Gray”s Hospital starting December 1. Funded by the Scottish Government, this facility will remain operational until the end of March 2026, aiming to enhance capacity for eligible patients throughout the Grampian region.
NHS Grampian indicated that the introduction of the scanner is expected to alleviate waiting lists and enable patients in Moray to receive scans closer to home. However, it is important to note that more complex scanning procedures will still necessitate travel to Aberdeen.
Prominent political figures from Moray have expressed their support for the initiative while reiterating the need for a more permanent solution. Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, emphasized that this new unit will significantly impact patients awaiting scans. He stated, “Having been calling for MRI facilities at Dr Gray”s for some time, I”m delighted the Scottish Government has funded this initiative, which will make a big difference in reducing waiting times for patients in Moray and across Grampian.”
Lochhead further affirmed his commitment as Moray”s MSP to advocate for a more permanent MRI service at Dr Gray”s.
Meanwhile, Douglas Ross, MSP for Highlands and Islands, welcomed the news but argued that patients deserve more than a temporary fix. He remarked, “While I hope this will reduce the waiting times for many suffering patients, I will still be pushing for funding to be put in place to guarantee a scanner will be in place permanently at Dr Gray”s.”
Ross added that plans are already established, and all that remains is for the SNP Ministers to provide the necessary funding to fulfill this long-promised enhancement to Dr Gray”s services. “Patients and staff in Moray deserve better than a stop-gap solution,” he said, noting that a permanent scanner would alleviate the strain on services across the entire NHS Grampian network.
