A NEW CT Scanner is on the way for the Ingham Hospital after the community banded together to raise awareness for their need of the crucial health unit.
Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto joined the community in their calls for the scanner and during Parliament recently the Health Minister has committed to delivering a CT Scanner for the Ingham Hospital.
The CT scanner at the Ingham Hospital is to be staffed by Queensland Health doctors and nurses.
The Hon. Shannon Fentiman advised that the State Government had worked with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service to prioritise the funding.
Nick Dametto stated that after years of advocacy he was excited to deliver this news to Hinchinbrook, and it would not have been possible without the support of the community.
“I appreciate that the Minister acknowledged that medical emergencies do not happen in business hours,” he said.
“The current situation where patients are being transferred to either the local private provider, between nine and five, or Townsville Hospital is chewing up resources during a healthcare crisis and worker shortage – sending a patient 120km down the road for a CT scanner is absolutely ludicrous in this day and age.
“Having a 24-hour CT scanner at the Ingham Hospital will enable faster and more accurate medical imaging, improve patient care, reduce wait times, and improve the overall efficiency of the Ingham and Townsville Hospitals.”
Mr Dametto thanked Peter Smith (Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network Chair), Ingham Health Service Community Advisory Network, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Network, Townsville Hospital and Health Service and Mayor Ramon Jayo for their work in advocating for the scanner.
Mr Smith was very excited when Mr Dametto phoned to deliver the news.
“It is the most welcome announcement, and we look forward to an early delivery of a 24-hour CT scanner for the Ingham Hospital,” he said.
“We are also very pleased to hear that the delivery will also include the CT scanner being staffed by Queensland Health staff.
“We are so thankful for the work and advocacy of Nick Dametto MP and many others.”
The Hinchinbrook MP also acknowledged the 30 community organisations and representatives that came together on 17 July this year to sign a registration of support which included signatures from Ingham Disability Support Services, Ingham Gymnastics, Meals on Wheels, Herbert River Jockey Club, Ingham Theatre Group, Ozcare, Forrest Beach Progress Association, Ingham Tennis, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Ingham Golf, Lions Club, Taylors Beach Progress Association and Queensland Country Women’s Association Forrest Beach.
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