A new computed tomography (CT) scanner will be installed at Thursday Island Hospital early next year, giving Torres Strait residents access to vital medical imaging services closer to home.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath announced the $2.14 million project when they visited the hospital today.
"This is an exciting addition to the region's health services," the Premier said.
"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.
"Families in this beautiful part of Queensland deserve the best services we can provide."
CT scans combine a series of X-ray images to create 3D images of bones, organs, and other parts of the body.
They are used to diagnose and monitor medical conditions ranging from cancers and tumours to infections and injuries.
Minister D'Ath said the CT scanner would be installed in the medical imaging department, which was being enhanced as part of the hospital's $36 million redevelopment.
"Work is underway to procure a CT scanner unit and also source a consulting team to operate it," she said.
"Design works to accommodate space for the machine are underway. We expect that the medical imaging department will be able to receive the CT scanner from March next year."
The Thursday Island Hospital redevelopment is scheduled for completion in late 2023.
It will also include:
- 31 inpatient beds including an extra negative pressure isolation room to manage tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
- seven emergency department spaces
- a new operating theatre with four recovery spaces
- a birthing suite and birthing pool and extra space for emergency birthing
- five outpatient rooms
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said health investment within the Torres and Cape region amounted to more than $100 million since 2018.
"It shows how committed the Palaszczuk Government is, in providing top quality healthcare for all Queenslanders, not just those living on the mainland or in major cities," she said.
"The Sibuwani Ngurpai Meta (Thursday Island Primary Healthcare Centre) is now operating after a $10-million redevelopment while primary health care centres on Dauan, Poruma, Masig, and Ugar islands are up and running after nearly $18-million worth of investment."
Work is also underway on the $7 million Mer (Murray) Island Primary Healthcare Centre replacement.
