The tender process for radiology services in the Cairns Health District, including the provision of a CT scanner for Innisfail and Atherton Hospitals will be underway this week, Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said today.
Mr Pitt said advertising for the tender will commence on 30 October 2009 on the Queensland Government Marketplace website.
“I am pleased today to update the community that the tender process for local radiology services is getting underway, with advertising to commence on 30 October,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is an important step forward in the provision of local radiology services, with the tender process to include the provision of a CT scanner at both Innisfail and Atherton Hospitals.
“The Innisfail community has consistently reiterated the desire for localised radiology services, and the Queensland Government is working to address this – the first step being through the launch of this new tender.”
Mr Pitt said advertising for the new tender will be commenced as a priority for the region, allowing Queensland Health time to undertake a thorough assessment process for local radiology services.
“Currently there are two contracts for radiology services within the Cairns Health District, including broader services for Innisfail and Atherton,” Mr Pitt said.
“This contract is now due for renewal, and the Queensland Government has responded to the calls of local Tableland communities by ensuring the provision of a CT scanner at Innisfail and Atherton Hospitals is included as part of this tender process.
“Presently people are required to go to Cairns when they need to get a scan performed. This can be costly and emotionally draining for the patients, their carers and their families.
“I have had many Innisfail residents bring this up with me. There certainly is a demand for service.
“Similarly, the need for a scanning machine at the Atherton Hospital was raised with me when I was at the opening of the new QCWA Hall at Millaa Millaa earlier this year.
“It is important that the new arrangement meets both the current and future radiology needs of the local population, not only within Innisfail and Atherton but within the broader health district.
“This is about ensuring we have a sustainable service that will meet the needs of the community in the long-term,” he said.
“A new contract will be in place when the current contract expires in April 2010.”
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