Residents of Geraldton, Western Australia’s second-largest regional centre, are up in arms. They demand that the state government make publicly owned diagnostic medical imaging machines available and offer scans at no charge. Ms Maree Amery, member of the Moort Koorliny Alliance. Frustrations are growing with the continuing redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus. The project has missed the original schedule by over two years, and costs have increased by $8.5 million.
Currently, residents face significant challenges in accessing necessary medical imaging services. There’s only one MRI unit in the public system operating north of Perth. Consequently, millions of Americans are required to drive hours away for scans that should be readily available in their local area. Over 800 people have already signed this petition. They call on members of parliament to ensure MRI, PET and CT machines are added to plans for the new Geraldton Health Campus.
Ongoing Challenges for Patients
Local resident Samantha Prunster, who has recently become an advocate on this subject, recently filmed her experience traversing these obstacles. A specialist had referred her for an MRI after she had experienced serious shoulder pain and arm numbness. Wanting to save money, she flew 450 kilometres to Perth for a free scan that would have set her back $760 in Geraldton.
As it stands Prunster has gotten a partial reimbursement of around $360 from Medicare. Her PATAS claim for travel expenses was still denied. She said the denial was because of the MRI machine stationed in Geraldton. Even at the time, Sophia was frustrated by this situation.
“It’s like we’re being punished for living regional,” – Samantha Prunster
Prunster to share her story of struggling to afford the out of pocket costs of her specialized health care needs. As a single mom, she works two jobs just to afford rent. The economic burden of making journeys to access safe medical care compounds her anxieties.
Government Response and Hospital Redevelopment
A spokesperson for the state government stated that there were no out-of-pocket costs for patients referred for an MRI through the Geraldton hospital. This is supposed to assuage the fears of community members, but it doesn’t. They continue to perceive that access to essential medical imaging services is lacking.
The ongoing redevelopment of the Geraldton Health Campus aims to enhance health services in the region, but many are questioning the timeline and execution. The project has thus far faced significant controversies, delays and cost overruns. Cut four years later, residents are still left wondering when they’d finally see any sort of improvement.
“However, the WA Country Health Service will continue to monitor clinical activity in Geraldton and services will be reviewed as community needs evolve,” – A state government spokesperson
Residents such as Kirrilee Warr pictured above, are optimistic that once the campus is planned it will focus attention on the provision of essential medical facilities first.
“We would love to see, through the stage two planning of Geraldton Regional Hospital Campus … this vital medical equipment,” – Kirrilee Warr
Community Unity in Advocacy
That rapidly growing petition shows that the community is united in its demand to improve access to healthcare. Residents experience a lack of options and long travel times to receive critical medical care. Though discouraged by these hurdles, they are resolute in making sure their voices are heard.
As plans to redevelop the Geraldton Health Campus are being drawn up, expectations remain high that their needs will be met just in time. We have to add MRI, PET and CT machines. It helps to make sure that every resident has fair, timely, and continued access to quality healthcare without fear of financial burden.
