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Thursday Island Hospital will have its own CT scanner from early next year, after the State Government promised more than two million dollars for the project.
A spokesperson for the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) welcomed the news in a statement, saying a local CT facility has long been one of its priorities.
“This service is expected to perform an estimated 1,300 CT scans a year for people who would otherwise have to travel to Cairns for the examinations.
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“While work continues to upgrade the medical imaging department and create space for the CT scanner, our priorities are sourcing a principal consultant and procuring the scanner unit.
“These activities will take place over the next two months. The space in the enhanced medical imaging department will be ready to receive the CT scanner from March 2023.”
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of x-ray that creates three-dimensional images of the body.
They are a powerful diagnostic tool, providing detailed views of thin slices of the body, including soft tissue, which can’t always be clearly seen in a conventional x-ray.
CT scans are used to diagnose and monitor many conditions, to look for injuries after an accident, to plan treatment like surgery or radiotherapy, and to guide biopsy procedures.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the funding for the scanner during the State Cabinet visit to Torres Strait this week.
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“We know how important it is for First Nations communities to receive health care as close to home as possible.
“Once this machine is installed, people living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area will no longer have to travel to Cairns for CT scans.
Main points
- Thursday Island Hospital to get its own CT scanner in early 2023
- Will reduce medical travel to Cairns by 1300 people a year
- Health Service welcomed the news
