Bowen Hospital’s first CT scanner is now up and running, with patients able to receive vital medical imaging without the need to travel to Proserpine or Mackay for the procedure.
Queensland Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath said the scanner was part of a jointly-funded $7million medical imaging wing and expanded renal dialysis service.
The project is funded with $5 million from the Federal Government, $1 million from Mackay Hospital and Health Service and a $1 million bequest by the Cyril Isbell estate.
“This CT will further deliver timely diagnosis and treatment for patients in Bowen and surrounding regions,” the Minister said.
“Providing urgent medical imaging locally will see reduced admissions overnight for those requiring transfers the next day.
“By reducing time transferring patients elsewhere, we can also ensure that nurses and paramedics are freed-up to deliver their regular patient care.”
The new medical imaging building includes rooms for CT imaging, general x-ray, ultrasound, orthopantomogram (OPG), and administrative facilities.
The building’s renal dialysis service will be ready for the commissioning of full services by the end of this month, including the transfer of renal dialysis chairs.
Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure, Julieanne Gilbert said the benefits of increasing accessibility to a scanner will be widely felt.
“Roughly three patients a day were being transferred for CT imaging, so the scanner will make a difference,” she said.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive, Lisa Davies Jones said the first patient to be scanned was a bike rider hurt in an accident.
“This patient had spinal pain and x-rays were done which didn’t show any fractures. We were then able to use the CT scanner which showed he had several minor fractures, and he was admitted overnight for pain management.”
“He was incredibly grateful to have a firm diagnosis of his injuries and to be cared for in Bowen close to his family,” she said.
