Epworth Geelong pushes for MRI licence

A PRIVATE hospital in Waurn Ponds has launched a campaign to secure one of the Medicare-eligible licences for its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

Last week, Epworth called on the community to support its application to the federal Health Minister for the subsidised licence, which would provide scans for patients suffering from trauma, brain disorders, heart conditions, cancer, and stroke, among other conditions.

The hospital says a Medicare-eligible unit would ensure community access to bulk-billed MRI and ease pressure on existing licensed services in central Geelong.

Epworth Geelong chief executive officer Damian Armour said the hospital provided cardiac and – for the first time in Geelong – neurosurgical services. “There are very few, if any, hospitals in Australia of this size and breadth of services without on-site Medicare-subsidised MRI.

“The Greater Geelong region is one of the fastest growing in the country but with only two fully Medicare-eligible MRI units, this community is disadvantaged in comparison to smaller populations including Bendigo, with three fully eligible units, and Ballarat and Warrnambool, each with two.”

One patient very grateful for Epworth’s MRI scanner is Bellbrae teenager Riley Taylor, who fractured his neck and upper spine after an accident while riding on trails in the Great Otway National Park near Anglesea.

Riley’s mother, Kirby, requested that the 14-year-old be taken to the nearest hospital – Epworth Geelong – where he was assessed via MRI within the hour and then transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Riley is making a remarkable recovery thanks to his rapid diagnosis and clinical care,” she said.

She said cost should never determine whether or not a seriously ill patient received optimal treatment.

Epworth Geelong’s campaign was launched last week with the support of Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson.

“I am delighted that the Morrison Government has committed to fund 30 Medicare subsidised MRIs across the country and am strongly backing Epworth’s campaign for a MRI licence,” Ms Henderson said.

“Epworth is the only hospital in our region which offers neurological services. A Medicare-subsidised MRI will make such a difference to Corangamite residents.”

For more information about the campaign, head to epworthgeelong.org.au.