Funding of £5m for a new MRI scanner at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth will be provided in full by the Welsh Government, it has been announced.

The health board has been waiting for years for a final announcement on whether the Welsh Government would provide the funding for the scanner after costs rose following the Welsh Government’s initial decision to award funding.

But Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has now confirmed that the cash will be provided for the scanner to be installed at Bronglais by 2020.

The £5m is part of funding for new scanners at four hospitals across Wales.

Hywel Dda Health Board and Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, who has been lobbying the Welsh Government to confirm that it would provide the funding for the scanner, have both welcomed the announcement.

Mr Gething said: “The new scanning equipment announced today will improve reliability, leading to better patient satisfaction and fewer cancellations.

“Improved technology is also much quicker which means health boards can increase the number of patients scanned.

“All of this is good news for patients and I’m pleased the significant funding I’ve announced today will make a real difference for health services across Wales.”