Support for a new $2.86 million CT scanner for Ayr Hospital is gaining momentum with continued efforts from the Community Advisory Network (CAN), advocacy from State Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP, and also a recent petition with overwhelming backing from local residents.
A new CT scanner would allow patients experiencing a mixture of ailments such as symptoms of a stroke or a sporting injury to be assessed quickly and easily in their local hospital rather than travelling to Townsville for treatment.
For the past three years, locals have been actively campaigning for this piece of equipment which would prevent a five-hour round trip for an ambulance and paramedics.
“Up to 15 patients are taken to Townsville each week for CT scans,” said Dale Last MP.
“The lack of a CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital definitely adds to the stress of a medical emergency and it’s quite possible that delays could result in patients not achieving the best outcomes, or even cost lives.”
“In addition, having equipment here in Ayr means hospital staff can be in the hospital helping patients rather than in the back of an Ambulance.”
Councillor Kaylee Boccalatte, who is the Chair of the Community Advisory Network said that no additional employment costs would be required.
“We already have a full-time radiographer and two others trained in how to operate a CT scanner,” she explained.
“Ayr Hospital is the largest level three facility in Queensland without a CT scanner and by being able to provide one for the community we can give everyone equity of access and help overcome barriers to health care.”
Mr Last said he is pleased to see such extensive local support and he believes people power will see the project supported by the Health Minister.
“On behalf of the community, I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition for sending a clear message to the current state government that we deserve the same quality health services as any other area in Queensland,” he said.
“If the Minister’s response is positive, we will welcome it and work cooperatively to get the CT Scanner up and running as soon as possible.
“But if the Minister says no and thinks we will give up, I think she is in for a rude shock because I have no intention of giving up and neither does the community.”
A CT scanner at Ayr Hospital will mean that up to 15 people per week can receive a scan locally. Image: Shutterstock
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