MRI machine coming to Hervey Bay Hospital
THE QUEENSLAND Government is delivering on a key election commitment for new MRIs and CT scanners across the State, announcing a new MRI machine for Hervey Bay Hospital.
THE QUEENSLAND Government is delivering on a key election commitment for new MRIs and CT scanners across the State, announcing a new MRI machine for Hervey Bay Hospital.
The commitment means magnetic resonance images (MRIs) will be taken on site at the Hervey Bay Hospital, allowing Hervey Bay locals to be diagnosed and treated faster than ever before, without having to travel or pay for a private scanning clinic.
The existing hospital pharmacy will be relocated and the current medical imaging area expanded to include the new machine, which will help diagnose a variety of conditions including tumours, infections, inflammation, organ diseases, and traumatic injuries.
Hervey Bay was identified as one of the most critical areas for the new equipment, and this investment will help meet growing demand.
The new technology is part of a $276 million investment, with six new MRI machines and nine CT scanners set to be installed across Queensland.
The Hervey Bay community has been campaigning for the new MRI machine, with 6,782 people signing a petition for a machine to be delivered, supported by local MP David Lee for one of the State’s fastest growing regions.
After years of challenges in Queensland’s health system, Wide Bay locals are finally seeing long-overdue improvements — including the long-awaited arrival of an MRI machine for Hervey Bay and efforts to reduce ambulance ramping and surgery waitlists.
The investment is part of the Crisafulli Government’s fully funded Hospital Rescue Plan, with an expansion to Hervey Bay Hospital including 35 extra overnight beds, an inpatient unit, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and extra car parking set to be completed at the end of next year.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
“We are delivering health services when Queenslanders need them with the first MRI machine at Hervey Bay Hospital,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“This is about listening to the Hervey Bay community and providing locals with easier access to health services where they live.”
“While we are seeing elective surgery down and important progress on the Hospital Rescue Plan, there is much more to be done to restore health services when you need them, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”
Member for Hervey Bay David Lee said the Government has listened and is delivering for the people of Hervey Bay.
Mr Lee said for many years, Hervey Bay hadn’t received the level of attention or investment in health services it deserved.
“It’s critical the community have access to the right care when and where they need
it and I’m proud that the Crisafulli Government will deliver the new MRI machine to support the people of Hervey Bay and the Wide Bay region.”
