13 Oct CT SCANNER PROMISED AFTER COMMUNITY CALLS

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has welcomed the news overnight that a long overdue CT scanner will be delivered to the Charters Towers Hospital.

It is expected that the total investment, announced by Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, will be about $4.5 million, with an initial investment of $2.25 million to plan and develop the medical imaging service.

Katter’s Australian Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said he welcomed the announcement, having lobbied alongside the local community for a local CT scanner for many years.

“This new service, once installed, will mean that in life-or-death situations, patients won’t need to travel to Townsville for these scans”, said Mr Katter.

“The Charters Towers Hospital services a very large area throughout the North West, so many people who make it to Charters Towers have often already travelled hundreds of kilometres to get there.”

He said one of the most critical areas it would enhance health was for stroke victims.

“Having fast access to CT scanners can mean that stroke victims receive immediate care, rather than critical time taken to travel to Townsville to have the CT scan before any treatment is possible.

“This can lead to preventable permanent damage or fatalities.

“If someone needs a CT scan, we’re not talking about minor injuries, we’re talking about critical and sometimes fatal instances, where time really is of the essence.

“Not only is this a great benefit to the Charters Towers region, but it’s going to go a long way in benefiting those seeking access to the Townsville Hospital and Health Service also.

“Every person taken through to Townsville to have this type of treatment is another bed occupied and a longer wait time for every other patient.”

Mr Katter said that considering the billions of dollars that had been committed to future Olympics, it was good to see that the health care of people living in regional communities had been valued enough to receive a $2.25 million investment.

“Thank you Minister D’Ath for promising the Charters Towers region access to this vital but basic health service,” he said.

—ENDS—