Move FM Regional news

LITHGOW, Central West, NSW, Australia – Behind-the-scenes efforts by the local Federal member to obtain an MRI scanner for Lithgow could bear fruit.

This week the Federal Government announced that more licenses are going to be issued for MRI scanners, which means scans can be subsidised through Medicare.

“MRI licenses are hardly ever issued. Up until recently only five had been issued since 2013 and so they are like gold. There’s hot competition between the communities and hospitals trying to get one,” Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said Friday. 

“Local doctors and health professionals are very keen to get one at Lithgow, so for some months I have been pestering the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, and his office to try to snaffle one.”

“The campaign for the MRI started last year when Lithgow lodged its application and since that time, I’ve had a number of conversations with the minister and his staff about how important this is for our area. I also pointed out that the Lithgow submission contained very strong numbers in terms of potential MRI-usage,” Mr Gee said. 

“People want to live where there are excellent medical services. If we can secure an MRI machine for Lithgow, it would not only be much more convenient for local residents, but would also demonstrate that medical services in the area are expanding and are being set up for future growth.”

“There’s still more legwork to do, but rest assured I’m working on it,” Gee added.