Belfast children's hospital to get MRI scanner

A three-year charity appeal to buy an MRI scanner for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children has succeeded in reaching its £2m target.

The announcement was made at a reception hosted by the city's Lord Mayor.

Gavin Robinson said the announcement was great news for the city and Northern Ireland.

Four charities raised funds for the hospital, which is the only one in the UK or Ireland without an MRI scanner.

The scanner will be used in the diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions, including cancer.

In November, the Health Minister Edwin Poots approved £2.75m investment for scanner services.

The total capital cost of the MRI scanner is estimated at £4m. The Health and Social Care Board will provide annual running costs of £1.9m.

It is expected that work will be completed in 2013/14.