Lithgow and Blue Mountains communities will soon have access to advanced diagnostic services with construction now complete on the new $4 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at Lithgow Hospital.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the new diagnostic service at Lithgow will significantly improve access to advanced imaging technologies for the local community.
“In the coming weeks, Lithgow and Blue Mountains residents will gain access to the latest MRI technology closer to home,” Mr Toole said.
“A more accessible MRI service will support timely diagnosis for patients and enable them to seek the right treatment options faster, providing better outcomes for patients and their families.”
The NSW Government committed $4 million to deliver a new MRI facility at Lithgow Hospital, with construction starting earlier this year.
Designed in consultation with hospital staff, the new MRI facility also includes a staff station, patient waiting area, change rooms and bathrooms.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the new MRI service will also mean additional jobs and upskilling opportunities for the local health workforce.
“The new MRI Service supports the thriving Lithgow community by creating more job opportunities for our local workforce, as well as attracting skilled workers to the area,” Mrs Taylor said.
The service will open to patients in the coming weeks, following an operational commissioning process.
Lithgow Hospital staff have begun preparations for opening the service, which includes stocking the new facility, equipment testing and staff training.
The new MRI service is located on the southern side of the hospital, conveniently near the Medical Imaging Unit and other clinical services at Lithgow Hospital.
Patients wanting access to the new MRI service will require a referral from a GP or specialist.
The new MRI at Lithgow Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 130 currently underway.
