Health Minister committed to Ingham CT scanner

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto.

26 May 2023

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto, wasted no time in parliament this week meeting staff of the newly appointed Health Minister and also directing a Question Without Notice to the Minister during Question Time on Thursday.

The Hinchinbrook MP has tirelessly lobbied the State Labor Government for several years for a publicly available computed tomography (CT) scanner in Ingham and did not let a recent ministerial re-shuffle hinder his efforts to cast this issue under the spotlight once again.

Below is the question and response from Health Minster, Hon Shannon Fentiman:

Mr DAMETTO: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services. For doctors to diagnose and treat stroke and traumatic injuries a computed tomography scanner is an essential piece of medical equipment, yet the Ingham Hospital continues to go without. Will the minister commit to funding a CT scanner for the Ingham Hospital in this year’s budget and provide equitable health services to Hinchinbrook?

Ms FENTIMAN: I thank the member for Hinchinbrook for the question. I know how committed he is to his community and delivering 24-hour access to a CT scanner at the Ingham Hospital.

We know that a CT scanner is available to the Ingham community through a private provider. Health emergencies often happen outside of business hours, and that is why it is really important we have one available in the public system for 24-hour access.

I am committed to ensuring that Queenslanders can access the health services they need, when they need them, in their communities. I am pleased to advise that the Townsville Hospital and Health Service is working to find a solution for the Ingham community.

A proposal is currently under consideration, and I will give my commitment to the member for Hinchinbrook and the Townsville HHS to move this matter forward and work with you to deliver a solution for the Ingham community.

Mr Dametto said he was delighted to hear the Health Minister’s commitment to provide a solution for Ingham residents with a 24-hour available CT scanner.

“I have been trying to get this message through to the Government for several years and without stepping too far ahead, I couldn’t be happier to hear such a positive and promising response,” Mr Dametto said.

“Although there is still a long way to go, we could not have achieved what we have so far without the outstanding support and advocacy from both of the Ingham Hospital Community Advisory Network’s and also the Townsville Hospital and Health Board.

“I can’t thank them enough for their commitment to the Ingham community.

“I look forward to hearing more from the Health Minister and the Townsville Hospital and Health Service about the what solutions they will propose for the Ingham Hospital and the expected timeframe for delivery.”

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