The Lithgow community is one step closer to a new $4 million state-of-the-art MRI machine at Lithgow Hospital with early works for the new service now underway.
The builder will be on site next week to begin preparations for early works with an expected completion date of October this year with the MRI machine operational by the end of the year.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the MRI is a first for the area, giving Lithgow residents access to advanced diagnostic services closer to home.
“The NSW Government is investing $4 million towards a new MRI service enhancing clinical services at the Lithgow Hospital,” Mr Toole said.
“Designed in consultation with health staff, the new service at Lithgow Hospital will also include a new staff station, patient waiting area, change rooms and bathrooms, which is being constructed at the southern end of the hospital to maximise space.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the MRI will provide Lithgow and Blue Mountains residents with access to the latest and foremost diagnostic imaging technology on site at the hospital.
“This location ensures the MRI is well located to other medical imaging and clinical services the community can already access at the hospital. It will improve community access to this important care on site at hospital, helping minimise any delays,” Mrs Taylor said.
MRI is an advanced diagnostic technology that takes detailed images of the organs and tissues in the body.
Early works construction will be carried out by ICG Construction, who was awarded the construction contract for the project, following a comprehensive tender process.
Early works are being completed to prepare for the construction of the new facility, including minor demolition works to establish the construction site, which will have no impact to the current hospital services. Main works construction will begin in the coming weeks.
The construction and installation of an MRI service at Lithgow is part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2024-25.
