The WA Nationals are calling for better outcomes in health for Geraldton, facilitating a petition for publicly funded MRI, CT, and PET scanners to be implemented at the local hospital.
At present, those looking to get medical imaging scans in Geraldton are forced to either pay out of pocket and wait for weeks, or travel to Perth and gamble with the under-pressure hospital system.
Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA said regional residents deserved the right to access basic healthcare.
“People in the regions shouldn’t be forced to wait or travel to Perth for what would be considered a routine appointment in the metropolitan area,” she said.
“No matter what postcode, people should be able to access basic healthcare as close to home as possible.
“For years, the community has called out for this service and it’s important that the State Government listens.”
On Wednesday, an e-petition was published calling for the State Government to consider MRI, CT, and PET scanners as part of the Geraldton Health Campus redevelopments, as well as committing to staffing requirements to ensure it could be utilised properly.
Ms Warr urged the community to show their support by signing the petition.
“For residents in Geraldton and the Mid West, having these services could be a game changer,” she said.
“With the latest redevelopment of the hospital still in its planning stage, now is the time for the State Government to make these services available.”
Hon Rob Horstman MLC, Member for Western Australia said it was a privilege to table the petition in the Legislative Council on behalf of community advocate and principal petitioner Mr David Caudwell.
“As someone who has always been an advocate for bolstering health services in regional WA, I am privileged to be the tabling member of this petition,” he said.
“It’s not right that in the Mid West and Geraldton – one of WA’s largest cities, that people still have to travel over 400km for MRI or CT scans.
“It’s clear that Geraldton Health Campus just isn’t a priority for the Labor Government with the redevelopment being WA’s most delayed project according to the WA Auditor General in 2023.”
Those looking to sign the petition should visit the WA Parliament website.