The State Government is expected to announce within the first quarter of this year the successful applicants for several new MRI scanners around the State.

Calvary Mater cancer patients needing an MRI scan are taken to the John Hunter Hospital, a time-consuming and often uncomfortable process for ill patients.

Calvary Mater general manager Colin Osborne said it was essential that an MRI scanner be at the hospital.

"It's unheard of in any other setting where comprehensive cancer services are provided that you would be attempting to do it without an MRI scanner," Mr Osborne said.

The hospital made an unsuccessful bid last year for an MRI licence, which was awarded to Hunter Imaging at East Maitland.

Mr Osborne said he remained "entirely disenchanted" with the outcome of the hospital's previous application to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

"We consider the rationale given for its location at any other place than the Mater to be completely unsatisfactory and to have been more than likely decided on political grounds rather than community needs," he said.

Acting director of Hunter New England Health medical imaging service, Hunter New England Imaging Darren Croese said the health service was working with NSW Health to explore options for funding an MRI scanner at Calvary Mater.

"This will be considered as part of the normal budget process," Mr Croese said.

The John Hunter Hospital holds the Hunter's only public sector MRI Medicare licence. The other two are held by the Hunter Imaging group.