Council
27 June, 2024
MP questions slow rollout of medical technology
QUESTIONS have emerged surrounding the timeline for the delivery of a vital piece of equipment which the state government promised ahead of the 2022 election.
Speaking in Parliament last week, Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell called on Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas to provide answers on the delivery of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner to the south west.
The PET scanner provides a three-dimensional imaging test which can help to reveal the metabolic or biochemical function of organs or tissue, which can detect and pinpoint the location of diseases including cancer, heart disease or brain disease.
The government had initially announced the $44 million funding would be used to deliver eight new PET scanners across Victoria by 2026, but there were quickly concerns a lack of specialist technologist staff would delay the rollout.
Ms Britnell questioned when the south west could expect the technology to be delivered.
“When can the south-west Coast community expect the promised PET scanner to be installed and fully operational in Warrnambool?” she asked.
“In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the Labor government pledged $44 million to deliver eight new PET scanners across Victoria, including one for South West Healthcare in Warrnambool.
“It is now mid-2024, and the hospital still lacks this promised equipment.”
Ms Britnell said her office had been contacted by constituents concerned with the associated travel to Geelong or Melbourne when use of the machine is required for themselves or a loved one.
“Several people have told me they are having to make gruelling trips to Geelong for PET scans, which is impacting patient care and adding to the stress of what is already a difficult time for members of our community,” she said.
“South West Healthcare is already impacted by the hospital redevelopment being in a state of flux due to the lack of funding because of government mismanagement.
“The community have no faith that the government will deliver on its promised new PET scanner sometime soon.”