Jason Whelan and medical imaging team excited by MRI announcement
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that Hervey Bay Hospital will soon be home to a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, offering this service within a Wide Bay public hospital for the first time.
MRI machines produce detailed images of the body, helping to diagnose a variety of conditions including tumours, infections, strokes, organ diseases, and traumatic injuries.
WBHHS Chief Executive Debbie Carroll said the investment would strengthen the public health system, giving clinicians access to the latest in imaging technology to deliver high-quality care with confidence.
“The MRI announcement truly is a game-changer for our region,” Ms Carroll said.
"This year alone, our Fraser Coast patients have been referred for around 2,000 MRI examinations, performed by the private sector or other Queensland Health facilities outside of our region.
“Having MRI services onsite means these patients, especially our most vulnerable patients, can get the scans they need without the risks and delays of being transferred or referred elsewhere offsite.
“Health Infrastructure Queensland (HIQ) has already undertaken preliminary work to identify a potentially suitable site, and following the recent announcement, we’re excited to continue our work with HIQ as we move into the next phase of detailed planning and stakeholder engagement.”
Fraser Coast Director of Medical Imaging Jason Whelan said the medical imaging team was thrilled by the announcement of Hervey Bay Hospital’s first MRI service, describing it as a long-awaited milestone they had hoped for and worked towards for many years.
“MRI is widely regarded as the gold standard for investigating a range of complex conditions, and now our public hospital will have access to that same level of service,” Mr Whelan said.
“The new MRI machine will enable faster diagnosis of our patients, leading to treatments beginning sooner.
"Bringing MRI services onsite will also mean huge savings in terms of time and travel for patients, and for our nursing staff who must accompany our critically unwell patients to offsite services.
“Investing in technology is also an investment in our people – empowering teams, supporting learning, strengthening workforce capability, and creating a workplace where people want to stay and grow.”
To read more about the Queensland Government’s announcement, Hervey Bay Hospital to receive new MRI machine - Ministerial Media Statements.