Construction work to accommodate a CT scanner at Bowen Hospital is expected to kick off in August.

I’m pleased that there is now a firm timeline in place for the delivery of the CT Scanner for the people of Bowen.

It’s very satisfying to finally see this project on the horizon, having fought hard for the $5 million in funding from Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt for the medical imaging service ahead of last year’s election.

This is expected to benefit 800 patients a year who will no longer need to be transferred by ambulance, or travel by car, to other centres for CT scans.

I have been advised that construction of the building to house the CT Scanner is set to commence in August, with an expected handover of the building and installed scanner in May next year.

This saves time and money, as well as speeding up treatment for people who need to access lifesaving scans for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions.

People will no longer have to travel a couple of hours either north or south to get medical imaging done at Mackay, Townsville or Proserpine, so this is a great leap forward in health treatment for the people of the Bowen region.

I must also congratulate the Bowen Chamber of Commerce on their tireless advocacy in fighting for health services.