BUDGET DELIVERS FREE MRI SCANS AT BATHURST HOSPITAL!

Bathurst Hospital will now be able to offer free MRI scans to anyone who needs one, thanks to a new $66 million funding package unveiled in the Federal 2022-2023 Budget.

Previously, while public patients and outpatients could receive a scan at no cost, non-patients of the hospital would have to pay for a scan.

Prior to this new funding initiative, in order to provide free-of-charge MRI services, hospitals had to obtain an MRI licence. The Australian Government granted licences by opening up competitive application rounds.

Now, thanks to a $66 million in Federal Government support, the MRI licence system has been abolished, and that’s all in the past.

This means Bathurst Hospital, which had yet to apply for an MRI licence, will be able to offer free-of-charge MRI scans to everyone, and they will be fully claimable on Medicare.

Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the change means no one in need of a scan will be out of pocket.

“Equality of access to MRI services across our region is something I have been fighting hard to secure,” said Minister Gee.

“It has been one of my top priorities for the electorate and I made it crystal clear to the Minister for Regional Health, the Minister for Health and the Deputy Prime Minister that it must be delivered.

“At one stage, this initiative was taken out of the budget and I fought to get it put back in.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce that once the MRI machine at Bathurst Hospital has been plugged in, anyone can receive a scan, free-of-charge!

“Thanks to $66 million dollars in Australian Government support for regional MRI services in this week’s Federal Budget, anyone presenting for a scan won’t have to open their wallet or purse!

“Bathurst Hospital has always had my absolute support on this, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to get this done for our region!

“Thank you to everyone who signed my petition – this win belongs to our community!” said Mr Gee.

Media contact

Sinead Fogarty: 0417 852 386