Question On Notice No. 334 asked in the Legislative Council on 5 September 2017 by Hon Robin Scott
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the WA Labor Party commitment to provide a much needed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the Kalgoorlie Regional hospital, and ask:
(a) can the Minister detail what a MRI machine will mean for health services in the city of Kalgoorlie Boulder and wider eastern goldfields community;
(b) if no to (a), why not;
(c) can the Minister detail what specific actions, with dates for each, has the Government taken to expediently obtain a licence from the Commonwealth Government for the proposed MRI machine;
(d) if no to (c), why not;
(e) can the Minister provide an anticipated date as to when the community can be assured of having a MRI machine operating at the Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital to ensure that residents in the city of Kalgoorlie Boulder and wider eastern goldfields community will have quality reliable medical services without having to travel to Perth; and
(f) if no to (e), why not?
Answered on 31 October 2017
I am advised that:
(a) The location of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner in Kalgoorlie will ensure people from the Goldfields Region, including many from Esperance and the Northern Goldfields, will not need to travel to Perth for an MRI scan. This will reduce both the financial impact on patients and disruption to time, and work, family and social commitments. The location of an MRI scanner in Kalgoorlie may also attract medical specialists to the region that require MRIs in their area of speciality; for example, increased oncology and orthopaedics, assist with faster and more accurate diagnosis, and better inform treatment options for patients.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Obtaining the Medicare licence from the Commonwealth Government is part of a sequenced implementation plan for this procurement. Following the State Budget announcement in relation to this project, WA Country Health Service is proceeding with a concept brief that will scope out the project in more detail, including demand modelling, cost requirements and licence options.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) No.
(f) This commitment is currently at the concept stage.