Cavan General Hospital has the ‘X-ray Factor'

The Radiography Department of Cavan General Hospital is seeking support from members of the public to help them win a prestigious award. The department has been short-listed as one of the top three radiography departments in the country, along with Connolly Hospital and the Mater Hospital by the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy (IIRRT).

The IIRRT is the professional body representing radiographers and radiation therapists in Ireland. The Medray / IIRRT Department of the Year awards recognises the radiography and radiation therapy departments and staff that demonstrate the highest standards of best practice and deliver exceptional service to patients.

The radiography department opened in June 1989 when Cavan General Hospital was commissioned. At that time approximately 16000 examinations per year were performed and this has increased to approximately 72,000 examinations (per annum) following significant investment and expansion. The Friends of Cavan General Hospital have greatly contributed to the expansion of the department by funding the purchase of the first CT scanner in 1995 and the DEXA unit in 2004. One million euro of the cost of the MRI scanner (€2million) was donated by Brendan Murray on behalf of the Blume family in 2008.

“We’re delighted to be nominated for this award as it will recognise the commitment and dedication of all the staff within the department in continuing to provide a quality service,” enthused Phyl Smith, radiology services manager.

Brigid Clarke, general manager Cavan and Monaghan Hospital added: “We are very proud of the high quality service provided by the radiology staff in Cavan General Hospital. We would greatly appreciate the support of the people of Cavan and Monaghan to help us win this prestigious award.”

Members of the public can vote for the Radiography Department until September 30 by logging on to http://www.iirrt.ie/medray-awards

Winners will be announced at the IIRRT annual conference on October 12 at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.