Wait continues for MRI machine at busy hospital

The State Government has no clear idea on when an MRI machine will be available at Redcliffe Hospital — despite being granted a Medicare subsidised MRI licence.

There is no confirmed date for when Redcliffe residents will have access to a MRI machine at Redcliffe Hospital. Photo Amanda Horswill

THE State Government has no clear idea on when an MRI machine will be available at Redcliffe Hospital — despite being granted a Medicare subsidised MRI licence.

Federal LNP MP for Petrie Luke Howarth announced Redcliffe Hospital would receive the licence on January 29.

It followed a drawn-out political back and forth between Mr Howarth and Federal Labor candidate for Petrie Corinne Mulholland, who launched a petition calling for a licence for Redcliffe Hospital.

State Health Minister Steven Miles lodged an application with the Federal Government for the licence following Mr Howarth’s promise to deliver one if Mr Miles applied for it.

As part of this process the government will have to demonstrate purchase of the equipment by April 30 this year.

Mr Miles, who is also the state Labor MP for Murrumba, would not state when he hoped to have the MRI machine available to the public.

“We’re really glad the State Government can now get on with the job of planning for a new MRI machine,” he said.

“The department is currently working though these details, including the cost of installing the machine in a room designed specifically for medical imaging.

“Due to the strong magnet MRI machine’s use, they can’t just be placed in any spare space, so some work needs to be undertaken.”