REDLAND Hospital will soon be home to its first MRI machine as part of a statewide investment in new medical imaging technology to boost healthcare access across Queensland.
The announcement was made during a visit to the hospital by Premier David Crisafulli and Health Minister Tim Nicholls, who confirmed Redland Hospital was among 11 public health facilities to receive new MRI or CT scanners under the Queensland Government’s $276 million Hospital Rescue Plan.
Cleveland-based MP Amanda Stoker said the addition of an MRI machine was a major win for the local community after years of advocacy.
“The LNP, Crisafulli Government, has listened to the voices of the almost 3,000 Redlanders who worked with me and my parliamentary colleagues to mount their case for us to have an MRI here at Redland Hospital,” Ms Stoker said.
“We’re getting one, and it means that nurses will be freed up to be back on the wards, relieved from patient transport duty, and able to care for you.
“It’s all part of our plan to get you better healthcare here at Redland Hospital.”
The installation of six new MRI machines and nine CT scanners across 11 sites will expand diagnostic capacity by almost 20 per cent for MRI and more than 10 per cent for CT scans.
Facilities set to benefit include Redland Hospital, Hervey Bay Hospital, and new health centres at Eight Mile Plains, Brighton, and Southport, as well as hospitals in Ayr, Beaudesert, Charleville, Dalby and Gatton.
Premier Crisafulli said the investment was delivering on a key election commitment and marked a “fresh start for Queensland’s health system.”
“We are delivering easier access to health services so Queenslanders have the care they need, when they need it most,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“These new CT and MRI machines will bolster our rural and regional health services and free up more hospital beds across the State.”
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said having advanced imaging technology on-site would allow clinicians to diagnose and treat serious medical conditions earlier.
“Access to local medical imaging services supports healthcare when Queenslanders need it, allowing serious medical conditions to be diagnosed and treated earlier,” Mr Nicholls said.
The MRI machine at Redland Hospital is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for scans, easing pressure on nearby hospitals and improving timely access to care for Redlands residents.
