Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology will arrive in the Goldfields region for the first time with Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd awarded the contract to supply and install an MRI machine at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus.
The availability of an MRI machine in the region, a McGowan Government election commitment, will provide residents with timely access to this diagnostic service closer to home, without the added cost and disruption of travelling to Perth.
In 2019, almost 600 patients from the Goldfields accessed the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme to travel almost 1,200 kilometres on a round trip to Perth to receive MRI services.
Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd will supply and install a 1.5T Magnetom Sola MRI machine which has the unique ability to perform remote scanning of patients.
This feature allows technologists who are based in Perth or other regional sites to connect to the machine and provide real time technical support and training.
The tender to build the $6.27 million Kalgoorlie Health Campus Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite has been awarded to ACorp Construction, with site possession expected to occur in mid-August.
Delivering the MRI machine to the region is part of the McGowan Government’s election commitment to build an MRI suite at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The Goldfields region is one of our largest health regions and the Kalgoorlie Health Campus plays a huge role in providing quality healthcare to the Goldfields community.
“We are capitalising on technology to ensure our country communities have the best access to WA’s world-class healthcare system.
“ACorp Construction has demonstrated a strong commitment to utilising local industry and materials throughout the build.”
As stated by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:
“I’m stoked to see the continued progress on delivery of this integral election commitment.
“This significant milestone will allow the project to progress to the next step, which is to start construction works.
“The McGowan Government will deliver the MRI machine to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The previous government failed to deliver this critical project. At the 2017 State election we committed to this and we’re getting it done.”
