Following years of campaigning for a $2.86 million CT scanner at Ayr Hospital, the Minister for Health, Shannon Fentiman, has responded positively to requests by opening a Business Case submission on the matter.
A public letter outlining plans was sent last week with the Minister stating that she understands “that each rural community and its population needs are unique”.
“Each requires a tailored model in order to provide appropriate health care services to reduce the need for residents to travel for health care,” she said.
“We understand that health emergencies often happen outside of business hours, which is why it is so important that a CT scanner is available to Ayr locals through Queensland Health, 24 hours per day.”
Currently, there is one privately owned CT scanner at Ayr Diagnostic Imaging (ADI), and although this services the community during work hours, it is closed in the evenings.
As a result, up to 15 patients a week are transported to Townsville Hospital for emergency CT scans.
Most of these patients are suffering from symptoms of a stroke or a significant injury and they need to travel one hour to receive a CT scan.
They are largely transported to Townsville by the Ayr ambulance and a paramedic, which removes these valuable services from the region during that time.
Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said that while the recent news from the Health Minister is a step in the right direction, “we won’t hear the sound of champagne corks popping, yet”.
“The celebrations are definitely on hold until the machine is in place and patients are receiving their scans here in Ayr - that’s when we will know we have succeeded,” he said.
“By acknowledging the importance of a CT scanner 24 hours a day, the Minister has indicated that we have proven a need for the scanner and that is always a difficult hurdle to clear.
“It is an acknowledgement that would not have happened without community support.”
“We aren’t across the finish line and, rather than celebrating, I’ll be focussing on ensuring community support is maintained.
“The fact that we already have staff who can operate the scanner means we have a strong business case, but it still comes down to a decision by the Minister.”
Ayr Hospital is the largest level three facility in Queensland currently without a CT scanner.
Health Minister responds to requests for a $2.86 million CT scanner at Ayr Hospital. Photo: Stock image
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
