Redcliffe Hospital to receive Medicare-eligible MRI license

Wednesday, 30 January 2019


Patients in Brisbane’s North will now be able to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions with the Liberal National Government announcing a new MRI licence for Redcliffe Hospital.

This MRI licence is expected to benefit the many Australians living in the region through a Medicare rebate and provide an estimated 5,900 services a year – saving lives and reducing the costs for patients.

An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels.

It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor a number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.

Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth MP said, today’s announcement is a big win for locals.

“The Government has delivered the licence and patients could receive the Medicare-covered MRI services,” Mr Howarth said.

“It took the State Labor Government five years to lodge an application for a MRI licence for the Redcliffe Hospital and this happened and only after public pressure.”

“Bill Shorten and Labor like to talk about health but it is the Coalition that actually delivers.”

“Having the MRI machine located in the hospital will free up frontline services, such as nurses and ambulance staff who are required to accompany patients to the MRI which is currently available off-site,” Mr Howarth said.

The MRI license will be available whenever the state government finally provides Redcliffe with an MRI. It is now up to the state government to deliver.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government is helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.

“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said.

“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.

“Under the Liberal National Government, Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from $24 billion in 2017–18 to $28.8 billion in 2021–22 to support health care for every Australian.

“Unlike Labor we have also committed to reducing the cost for patients by indexing targeted diagnostic imaging services including mammography, fluoroscopy, CT scans and interventional procedures.

“The LNP is committed to delivering improved health services in Queensland which includes increased hospital funding with an extra $8 billion for hospitals taking it to $29.5 billion over five years,” Minister Hunt said.

The Liberal National Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.