Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, set to meet with Queensland X-Ray on diagnostic tests
The state government will meet with Queensland X-Ray to discuss possible solutions as women are forced to wait four months for diagnostic mammograms in Far North Queensland.
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The state’s government will meet with Queensland X-Ray to discuss possible solutions as women are forced to wait four months for diagnostic mammograms in Far North Queensland.
Private provider Queensland X-Ray “temporary” suspended its diagnostic mammography services in November 2024 because it could not find a permanent radiologist who sub-specialises in women’s imaging.
I-MED Radiology is the only screening facility covering the Cairns to Cape.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the meeting would take place next week to find possible solutions.
“Upon being made aware of the temporary closure, I instructed Queensland Health to contact Queensland X-Ray,” he said.
“I am pleased to advise the department has reached out to Queensland X-Ray and a meeting will take place next week to understand the issues in more detail and consider what actions could be taken.
“While Queensland X-Ray’s business decisions are outside my control, I want to assure the community the Queensland Government takes this matter seriously.”
The Cairns Hospital does not have any mammography equipment or offer breast diagnostic services.
Mr Nicholls said everyone should be able to access diagnostic imaging services.
“Like all jurisdictions, Queensland continues to be impacted by a critical shortage of radiologists,” he said.
“People should be able to access diagnostic imaging services and receive results in a timely manner.
“I am committed to working with my federal, state and territory counterparts on how best to address these workforce shortages.”
Dr Aemelia Melloy, who specialises in breast surgery, said most Queensland hospitals outsource diagnostic breast screening to private providers.
“I don’t think the health minister realises Queensland public hospitals rely heavily on the private sector,” she said.
“Unfortunately, therefore, they directly provide care for our public hospital patients, and it is a matter that the government needs to help find a solution to.”
Dr Melloy said public hospital patients should not have to fly to Brisbane or Townsville to have a mammogram and ultrasound.
“It’s outrageous in a city of our size,” she said.
As a short-term solution, the specialist suggested flying patients deemed “critical”.
“Of course we will continue to do this for critical patients, but if it continues it’ll be an enormous strain financially on the hospital,” she said.
“Unless they can staff every hospital with a breast radiologist and the appropriate radiographic equipment to provide our public patients with breast imaging then they need to take responsibility in helping find a solution to the problem.”
Queensland X-Ray was approached for comment.
The Cairns Post this week launched Critical Condition, calling on state and federal governments to help reinstate the crucial service.
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