An advanced diagnostic machine used to detect critical diseases may soon be available closer to home for Clare patients. The HSE has confirmed plans to provide a PET (Positron emission tomography) scanner in the MidWest region, however this will be dependent on funding coming on stream, either this year or in 2026. At present cancer patients in Clare have to travel to Cork or Dublin to avail of a PET scanner in a public hospital - the nearest private option is in Galway. HSE Regional Health Forum West member Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney says it's urgently needed here.