Boost to obstetric services in remote Cape York

• Women across remote Cape York will have more access closer to home for routine obstetric scans. 
• A new medical imaging service has been launched in five communities across Cape York thanks to a $850,000 investment by the Miles Government.
• The high-end ultrasound machines have been installed in Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Lockhart River and expected to perform around 500 scans each year.

Pregnant women in five Cape York communities will no longer need to travel to Cairns for routine scans after the launch of a new medical imaging service.

The Miles Government’s $850,000 investment in the program is funding the installation of Canon i550 high end ultrasound machines in Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Lockhart River.

An outreach sonographer has also been appointed by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

Previously pregnant women living in those communities needed to travel to Cairns at least three times during their pregnancies for their regular scans – even more if the pregnancy is considered high risk.

The service is likely to perform around 500 scans per year initially.

Earlier this year, the Miles Labor Government restored birthing services to Weipa serving the families of Western Cape York.

The upgraded equipment highlights the Miles Government’s commitment to delivering improved obstetric and maternity services for women and families across the Torres and Cape region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“We know how important it is for women in Cape York to have access to quality obstetric and maternity health care close to home.

“I’m thrilled this new service will allow women to stay in their local communities with their family and support networks.

“Delivering this care directly in communities means families will also save big on travel and accommodation costs.

“I’m so proud of the Miles Labor Government’s commitment to supporting regional birthing services for Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cook Cynthia Lui: 

“I’m so happy we’re able to deliver this important service for women in these five communities and their families.

“Imaging scans are also vitally important for the management of various diseases so improved access should have a positive impact on general health in the region.

“We understand that unfortunately the Torres and Cape experiences a much higher burden of disease than metropolitan and regional areas so we know what a benefit this new service will be.”

Quotes attributable to Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Mr Rex O’Rourke:

“The new service will have a significant impact on the lives of women and families in these communities.

“We are dedicated to delivering culturally safe health care closer to home and this service is the perfect example.

“Many of these women may already have children at home they are caring for so multiple trips to Cairns for a scan places incredible pressure on families and stress on expectant mothers.

“I’m very proud to launch this service and we will continue to look at more ways to deliver these types of programs on country."

Quotes attributable to Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Medical Imaging Lead Mr Steve Wallin:

“These ultra-sound devices are expected to deliver 500 scans per year initially.

“The sonographer will visit each community monthly and be able to conduct all general ultrasound scans, along with obstetric scans.”

Quotes attributable to Lockhart River Primary Health Care Centre Director of Nursing Mr Josh Stafford:

“Nine local women had already been able to have their scans in this community.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this service because we know how challenging it can be to make these trips multiple times during a woman’s pregnancy.

“Unfortunately, we also have a higher number of women who are considered higher risk due to other health factors and that requires additional scans and more trips away.

“But now they will be able to stay home with their families and receive the services they need.”

Quotes attributable to Lockhart River patient Ms Melanie Kennel:

“I’m expecting my first baby in March and has been able to undergo her scans at my local Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC).

“I have seen my sisters and aunties all having to travel to Cairns to have their scans and it has been really hard for them.

“It can be a bit scary for people to go to Cairns from community when you don’t know where you’re going and have family to look after at home.

“I feel so lucky to be able to have all my scans here in Lockhart and the staff have made me feel so comfortable.”

ENDS

Media contact – healthmedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au