Local Labor MPs Greg Warren (Campbelltown) and Anoulack Chanthivong (Macquarie Fields) have joined forces to demand the Baird Government urgently replace the faulty MRI and CT scanners at Campbelltown Hospital.
Labor health spokesman Walt Secord has backed their call for a better share of the State Government’s health funding.
The MPs’ call comes after patient reports that both essential pieces of equipment are regularly out of service, with many patients being diverted to other hospitals such as Liverpool, to get life-saving MRI and CT scans.
“Local residents should be able to get simple MRI and CT scans at our local hospital, rather than being forced to travel elsewhere,” Mr Warren said.
“I’ve raised the issue with the Health Minister several times in the past, and now I’m calling on the minister and the Baird Government to replace the faulty machines at Campbelltown Hospital to ensure local residents have access to the quality health services they expect and deserve,” he said.
The MPs said that with massive population growth planned in the Macarthur region it was vital that the MRI and CT scanning machines be replaced urgently to ensure that Campbelltown Hospital was able to cater for the health needs of current and future residents.
They said they were disappointed the Baird Government had not signalled any plans to replace the faulty machines, despite ongoing calls from patients, staff and the broader community.
“Campbelltown is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW,’’ Mr Warren said.
“Our population is predicted to double over the coming decades, so it’s vital for the Government to invest in key infrastructure and services like Campbelltown Hospital,” he said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I’ve heard too many stories from patients and local residents about the problems they’ve experienced with the MRI and CT machines at Campbelltown.’’[/social_quote]
Mr Secord said that “once again, the Baird Liberal Government has shown its utter contempt for the Macarthur community by refusing to invest in basic health equipment to service the region’s needs’’.
“It’s vital that Campbelltown patients have convenient access to quality health services and equipment at Campbelltown Hospital and we will continue to fight for better health services and resources.”
