Ayr Left Waiting On A CT Scan

The Burdekin community’s response in a call to establish CT scanner services at the Ayr Hospital saw thousands sign a petition and a shire-wide campaign last year, as many came forward with their own stories of how the after-hours inaccessibility of a CT scanner had seen them or their loved ones transferred to Townsville.

Six months on from the launch of the petition, Member for Burdekin Dale Last has called for assurances the project has not fallen on deaf ears.

“With the calendar now reaching six months since the petition was opened for signatures and a promise by the Minister that a business case was being prepared, this community deserves to know that this project hasn’t just been tucked away into a cupboard,” Mr Last said.

“In recent weeks I have written to the Townsville Hospital and Health Services Board calling for an update on the business case, because as this community has made it clear, we are not willing to let this issue lie.

“Let’s not forget that in many cases these CT scans are used to assist in the treatment of potentially time-critical conditions such as strokes, where every second matters.”

Mr Last said with as many as 15 patients a week needing to be transported to Townsville for a CT scan, and the June budget now only months away, time was ticking on ensuring the project received the consideration it deserved and did not become a political football at election time.

“Almost six months ago, I said that I would keep working on this issue until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans in Ayr.  

“I also said I will work cooperatively with the Minister as long as we saw continual progress and I will honour both of those commitments for as long as it takes.

“We know there is added pressure on our hospital and frontline services, so when a simple solution to easing that burden and ensuring that patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible is put forward, there shouldn’t be any obstacles placed in the way.”

‍