MARK BUTLER MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING

SUSAN TEMPLEMAN MP

MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE

An Albanese Labor Government will help people in the Hawksbury access lifesaving medical scans by providing a Medicare-funded MRI licence for Hawksbury Hospital.

An MRI machine is being installed at Hawkesbury Hospital, however no Medicare-eligible licence has been granted by the Morrison Government.

“This means people in the Hawksbury cannot receive a Medicare rebate on their scans,” Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said.

“Locals will have to choose whether they fork out for a private scan or a tank of fuel – neither of which is cheap with the cost of living simply going up and up under Scott Morrison. 

“A Medicare-funded MRI licence will mean locals have access to the quality care they deserve when they need it, without having to travel long distances at all hours of the day to access a Medicare-funded MRI licence.

“Doctors from the Emergency Department have told me that this Medicare-funded MRI licence will save time in diagnosing patients and provide better treatment because patients won’t have to be sent to another hospital for a scan.”

“Hawkesbury locals need high quality local medical services and facilities to serve the community’s needs now and into the future. This will only happen with an Albanese Labor Government.

“Labor built Medicare and we believe all Australians deserve access to universal, prompt, and world class medical care.

“I have rolled up my sleeves to fight for better health facilities for our community. This Medicare-funded MRI licence will be a very welcome step forward in terms of access to state-of-the-art health technology for Hawkesbury residents.” 

Under the last Labor Government, some 238 Medicare-funded MRI licences were granted to health facilities across Australia.