MP call for CT scanners
THE state government’s record funding to ensure a stronger health care system for all Queenslanders fails to provide vital medical equipment for the Hinchinbrook electorate, the Katter’s Australian Party says.
“It makes me extremely upset the state government has delivered a record health budget, yet regional Queensland appears to be neglected,” KAP deputy leader Nick Dametto said.
The 2022-23 Queensland Budget includes a record $23.6bn injection into health services and hospitals.
The funds will target demand pressures in the shortterm and deliver long-term improvements such as new infrastructure, more beds, a larger workforce, a focus on mental health and reforms to the health system.
“The Premier has promised Queenslanders that the state government will commit to the biggest health investment the state has ever seen, yet they have failed to provide regional areas such as Ingham and Charters Towers with a CT scanner that would cost $5.5m (Ingham) and $3.95m (Charters Towers),” he said. “Ingham Hospital has been crying out for a CT scanner as patients are currently required to be transferred to Townsville hospital which is a two-hour drive, or the local medical practice during their operating hours.”
The Hinchinbrook MP said that the laborious process was “chewing up resources and taking health care workers off the floor during a worker shortage crisis”. “This medical equipment is critical for the patient diagnosis and ongoing treatment of many life- threatening conditions.”
Mr Dametto said regional Queenslanders deserved the same healthcare services as the state’s cities.
Health Minister Yvette D’ath was contacted for comment.