A new healthcare clinic has opened in Laois, offering X-ray, MRI scans, ultrasounds and DEXA scans to Laois locals.

Formerly known as Euromedic, Affidea's recent opening of a new Portlaoise facility has created 20 new jobs locally.

Located in the Parkside Shopping Centre on Portlaoise's Abbeyleix road, Affidea's Portlaoise location has the capacity to scan over 30,000 Laois patients per year. 

Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, the business offers scans with requirement of a referral letter from GPs.

The facility's pricing for scans are as follows;

"We are working with the HSE to alleviate pressure on our healthcare systems," he said.

"Many MRI and CT scan machines are not cardiac enabled, meaning that many Laois people are travelling to Dublin for this. Now, they can pop into the clinic in Portlaoise for their scans.

"We have created jobs through the hiring of radiographers and health care assistants, and have left additional space behind the clinic for the potential further development of a minor injury clinic."

The CEO explained the process behind the efficient process behind appointment bookings and scan readings.

"We have invested heavily into our digital infrastructure, and are the only service who can provide a truly digital experience. A referral letter is sent from a GP to our clinic electronically, and we send a text message to patients that we have received their referral," Mr Downes explained.

"Once they click the link in the message, they can register with our clinic and confirm their details. We are fully GDPR compliant, and asides from special scans, most people can book in online at a time that suits them. We don't use the traditional call centres that are only open from 9am to 5pm, patients can book online at any time, day or night," he said.

Following their registration, clients will then be provided with digital instructions and safety questions. Patients can book their scan and be seen within 48 hours, and once the scan is complete, patients can view their scans within the Affidea Connect Patient app.

"If you had a scan with us three years ago, you can still view the images within the app. It means that you can share your scans with other healthcare professionals," Mr Downes explained.

The Affidea radiographer will read your scan and send a full report to your GP within an average of two days. Affidea waits an average of 10 days to send app users their full report, to give the opportunity for the patient's GP to talk through their scan with them.

"It is usually 48 hours for the report to be sent, depending on the scan. We can fast track urgent cases to being within 24 hours.

"In rare instances, we have had to unfortunately have ambulances waiting in the car park for the patient, as some instances can be life altering. Depending on the time of year, it is usually 48 hours," Mr Downes said.

"We want to enhance access for people. Our clinics are not in a hospital setting, they are very modern and comfortable. Our ethos is providing rapid service to patients," the CEO finished.

Affidea Portlaoise opened their doors on Tuesday April 15 with the availability of MRI, ultrasound and CT scans, with DEXA scans expected to be available within the next week.

Affidea is the largest provider of advanced diagnostic imaging, out-of-hospital care and cancer care services across Europe, operating in 15 countries across 364 clinics, seeing and treating over 14 million patients per year. 

This is the company's 18th location to open in Ireland.

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