The Territory Labor Government continues to improve health services with the PET scanner now operational.
For the first time, ever Territorians can now receive a complex PET Scan closer to home, with approximately 12 patients to receive scans at Royal Darwin Hospital in the first two weeks.
The establishment of this local PET service will significantly decrease the need for patients to travel interstate and will see significant improvements in patient outcomes through earlier diagnosis and more detailed treatment plans.
Patients would have to travel up to 3,400 km interstate in the past for access to diagnosis and treatment monitoring equipment, essential to assess and treat their condition.
The Australian Government committed $15 million and the NT Government a further $8 million to expand cancer services in the Northern Territory.
Work is well underway for the Cyclotron facility to be located at the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre, with it on track to open later next year. Once operational, this facility will sustain the PET service for Territorians for years to come.
The Territory Labor Government has also committed a further $35 million over 5 years in operational funding for these new expanded services.
As stated by the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
All Territorians are entitled to access to high quality health services, and the Territorys first ever PET Scanner represents a significant milestone in delivering top quality health care and significantly improving access to cancer services for Territorians.
The PET Scanner is a critical diagnostic tool, providing detailed medical scans that can help with the early detection and treatment of diseases like cancer, and opens up the Territory as a hub for PET scanner research in Northern Australia and the Asia Pacific Region.
