Minister unveils new CT scanner for Esperance

Community fundraising over several years has helped Esperance Hospital obtain a CT scanner, relieving the need to transfer emergency and acutely ill patients.

The $1.4million project was formally opened today by Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs, representing Health Minister Kim Hames.

"Emergency department patients and acutely ill residents will no longer have to be flown or make their own way to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Perth," Dr Jacobs said.

"This 16 slice CT scanner is the latest technology and will make a vital difference to the diagnosis and follow-up care of patients suffering strokes or injury trauma or those with cancer; Alzheimer's; and pulmonary, abdominal and musculoskeletal conditions.

"CT scanning is a great adjunct to conventional medical imaging procedures to help in the diagnosis of a significant number of medical conditions."

Community and business donations contributed more than $470,000 towards the cost, with the State Government contributing $930,000, including $246,000 from Royalties for Regions.

"I congratulate the people and businesses of Esperance and the surrounding region for the way in which they have supported this project," the Minister said.

"This community effort has been running for a number of years and the amount of fundraising is just amazing."

The CT scanner installation is the first phase of the $31.8million Esperance Hospital Redevelopment which will include a new accident and emergency department, birthing unit and ambulatory care.

Minister's office - 9213 6900