Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has welcomed the overnight news that a long over-due CT scanner will be delivered to the Charters Towers Hospital.

It is expected that the total investment, announced by Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath, will be around $4.5 million, with an initial investment of $2.25 million to plan and develop the medical imaging service.

Katter’s Australian Party leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said he welcomed the announcement, having lobbied along the local community for a local CT scanner for many years. 

“This new service, once installed, will mean that in life-or-death situations patients won’t need to travel to Townsville for these scans”, said Mr Katter.

“The Charters Towers Hospital services a very large area throughout the North West, so many people who make it to Charters Towers have often already travelled hundreds of kilometres to get there.

“One of the most critical areas it will enhance health is stroke victims.

“Having fast access to CT scanners can mean that stroke victims receive immediate care, rather than critical time taken to travel to Townsville to have the CT scan before any treatment is possible.

“This can lead to preventable permanent damage or fatalities. 

“If someone needs a CT scan, we’re not talking about minor injuries, we’re talking about critical and sometimes fatal instances, where time really is of the essence.

“Not only is this a great benefit to the Charters Towers region, but its going to go a long way in benefit those seeking access to the Townsville Hospital and Health Service also.

“Every person taken through to Townsville to have this type of treatment there, is another bed occupied and a longer wait time for every other patient.”

Mr Katter said that considering the billions of dollars that have been committed to the Olympics years down the track, it’s good to see that the health care of people living in regional communities has been valued enough to receive a $2.25 million investment.

“Thank you Minister D’Ath for promising the Charters Towers region access to this vital but basic health care,” he said.

20221013 – RK media release – CT scanner promised after community calls