Ingham hospital to get first 24-hour CT scanner after years of lobbying

Ingham Hospital is finally getting its first 24-hour CT scanner, a huge win for locals who’ve been fighting for better medical resources for years. Here’s the latest.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto joined more than 30 protestors outside Ingham Hospital to demand the State Government immediately provide a CT scanner. Picture: Cameron Bates

A regional hospital is set to gain its first 24-hour, publicly available CT scanner after years of campaigning from locals and members of parliament.

The Miles government has announced builders are locked in to start construction of the scanner at Ingham Hospital.

Used for medical imaging services, CT scanners can help diagnose and monitor medical conditions such as tumours or infections, and is predicted to be used for more than 1000 scans each year.

Expected to be in operation by the end of 2025, the scanner will be the first in the Hinchinbrook region.

The news was welcomed by the Katter’s Australian Party, with deputy leader Nick Dametto saying after five years of lobbying it was ‘incredibly reassuring’ to hear construction and installation has been tendered.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the multitude of community organisations, sporting clubs, and local residents who joined forces to lobby for better medical resources for the Ingham Hospital,” he said.

“A public 24-hour CT scanning service will ensure better health outcomes for those seeking treatment at the Ingham Hospital.”

Peter Smith, chair of the Community Advisory Network for the Ingham Hospital, has been a tireless campaigner for a new CT scanner. Picture: Cameron Bates

Mr Dametto said that local residents, such as staunch campaigner Peter Smith, chair of the Ingham Hospital Community Advisory Network, demonstrated the need for the upgrades.

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said the equipment played an important role for those suffering a range of conditions.

“This new scanner will deliver vital diagnostic services for the Ingham community- resulting in earlier treatment and better health outcomes,” she said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the service was committed to growing healthcare facilities in local communities.

“This will improve our ability to deliver timely diagnoses and treatment for people living in the region,” he said.

“We are always striving to provide world-class healthcare closer to home for our rural and remote communities.”

Originally published as Ingham hospital to get first 24-hour CT scanner after years of lobbying