New medical imaging contract for Busselton

People living in the Busselton area will soon have access to a comprehensive imaging service which will save West Australians $20million in the next 10 years.

  • Global Diagnostics Australia selected to provide medical imaging
  • $20million saving across 10 years compared to a fully public service

  • Current contract to expire in April 2013

People living in the Busselton area will soon have access to a comprehensive imaging service which will save West Australians $20million in the next 10 years.

Health Minister Kim Hames today announced Global Diagnostics Australia (GDA) had been selected as preferred provider to deliver imaging services at Busselton Hospital from May 2013.

"Final negotiations with Global Diagnostics will take place to provide the service when the current contract expires at the end of April," Dr Hames said.

"Patients attending Busselton Hospital emergency department and inpatients will notice little change.

"The new service replaces a hybrid contract which has been operating since 2000, under which the WA Country Health Service provides medical imaging technology staff and equipment and the contactor provides reception, radiologist and sonography services.

"Five staff affected by the change will be fully supported by the WA Country Health Service and, in some cases, offered alternative employment."

The Minister said the State Government was not seeking to privatise hospital services in rural areas but wanted to offer the best and most cost-effective services.

"Our aim was to provide the best cost effective, service efficient imaging service and we tested the market to determine if this could best be provided by the private sector or through the public sector," he said. 

"In this case, the private sector was best placed to deliver that service."

      Fact File

  • Liberal-National Government has embarked on biggest hospital building and refurbishment program in State's history

  • Unprecedented $7billion allocated to hospital projects throughout WA

  • Program includes new Busselton Health Campus

  • Global Diagnostics Australia preferred respondent to provide imaging services to Busselton Hospital and to the new Busselton Health Campus

  • Consultation has occurred with stakeholders to determine future imaging needs

Minister's office - 6552 5300