Medicare-eligible magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at Dubbo Base Hospital will soon be fully-subsidised for patients, with the recent arrival of an MRI machine.
Minister for Regional Health and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is thrilled that patients in Dubbo and the western region of New South Wales will benefit from the Federal Government’s decision to invest in an MRI licence at the hospital.
“Patients will now be able to access lifesaving scans at their fingertips for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Nationals in Government have delivered this important service with a joint Federal and State Government commitment.
“This adds another exciting dimension to Dubbo’s healthcare offering, with today also marking the start of demolition works to make way for the $35-million-dollar Western Cancer Centre.
“I’m working hard to ensure people in the bush are able to access the very best of healthcare, and this new MRI licence is a great win for the region. We also expect this will significantly reduce waiting times for Medicare-subsided scans.”
In the 2019-20 Budget, the Government announced a further investment for an additional 20 licences, increasing the total number of extra licences from the expansion to over 50 nationally.
“The expansion of MRI licences represents a total investment by the Government of $375 million, ensuring more Australians across the country can access a Medicare-subsided MRI machine,” Mr Coulton said.
State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the machine will benefit residents of the Dubbo region.
“This machine will be a fantastic addition to the services provided by Dubbo Hospital,” Mr Saunders said.
“It is something the community has been calling for and something that will be of great benefit to our region.”