Dublin's newest diagnostic medical imaging centre
16 June, 2006
Dublin’s newest diagnostic medical imaging centre is due to open within the next few weeks. The Charter Medical Centre, which cost about €15 million to build and equip, is located in Smithfield in Dublin city centre.
It will provide medical diagnostic imaging services, like x-rays, MRI and CT scans, DEXA scans and screening services through GP referrals to both private and medical card patients.
Medical Director of the Charter Centre Dr Richard Aboud, currently a GP in Dublin city, told Irish Medical Times that they will provide general practice with what it needs — improved access to diagnostics with a service based in the community.
“What is different about this centre is that it is providing services to the whole community, not just private patients,” said Dr Aboud.
GPs can refer medical card patients who do not want to face a 12-week waiting list for an x-ray to the Centre. The medical card patients will pay a lower price for services than private patients.
For example, an MRI scan will cost a private patient €400, and a medical card patient €270. A general x-ray is €40, and €80 for private patients.
Dr Aboud said they will also provide services for a number of medical card patients who can’t afford to pay, at the discretion of the GP.
“About 500 to 1000 places will be available for GPs to refer patients who need services, can’t afford them but don’t want to wait for a hospital appointment,” said Dr Aboud.
“In some hospitals there is a wait of 12 weeks for appointments, in the big Dublin hospitals. Patients can come here at a time that suits them and have their results back to their GP on the same day.”
Dr Aboud said they have appointed a GP Liaison officer to contact GPs and advise them of the free places for medical card patients. The Centre is open evenings and weekends. GPs from outside Dublin can also refer patients if they wish.
