The McGowan Government has committed more than $6.3 million to build an MRI suite at Kalgoorlie Health Campus, as part of the 2019-20 State Budget.
An MRI in the Goldfields was an important election commitment for the McGowan Government and today's announcement ensures that commitment will be delivered.
The funding boost means vital medical imaging will now be available locally and is consistent with the Federal Government's commitment to provide a Medicare eligible MRI licence for the service once it is available.
Currently, patients from Kalgoorlie and the surrounding Goldfields region are required to travel almost 1,200 kilometres on a round trip to Perth to access MRI services.
A suitable location to house the technology has already been identified at Kalgoorlie Health Campus by the WA Country Health Service. Schematic design and comprehensive planning will now commence, with construction expected to follow in the first half of 2020 and the MRI to be operational less than a year later.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical imaging procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to take very detailed pictures inside the human body.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"An MRI machine at Kalgoorlie Health Campus means more patients will get the health services they need, near where they live. It delivers a key election commitment from the McGowan Government to residents in the Goldfields.
"This MRI means residents of the Goldfields will have access to vital medical imaging close to home and will be spared the long and expensive trip to Perth. It delivers health care where it is needed and aligns with the McGowan Government's commitment to put patients first."
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
"After 10 years of promises to provide an MRI here in Kalgoorlie, I am proud to say the McGowan Government are the ones who have delivered on this important service for local people. No other candidates running for the Kalgoorlie seat in the last election made a solid commitment to an MRI in the way WA Labor did and now we are delivering it.
"The McGowan Government are putting regional patients in Kalgoorlie first by delivering a critical piece of medical equipment. Many people I meet raise the issue of an MRI in Kalgoorlie, they have told me how travel to Perth for an MRI is stressful and inconvenient. The McGowan Government have listened to the people and delivered on their election commitment."
