Ipswich Residents are set to benefit as Ipswich Hospital’s brand-new MRI machine was spectacularly craned in over the weekend.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on its promises for Ipswich Hospital.

“We went to the last election with a bold, $127.5 million plan for Ipswich Hospital and now we’re seeing that plan delivered on,” Ms Howard said. 

“The Palaszczuk Government has delivered record annual funding for West Moreton HHS, with the last budget increasing annual funding by $35.7 million to a record $642.8 million a year.

“Our Government’s record funding has allowed us to deliver a new MRI machine, a new mental health ward and an additional 161 doctors and 527 nurses at Ipswich Hospital.

“In contrast to the LNP who went to the last election telling Ipswich residents that they didn’t need this expansion and failed to promise a single cent for Ipswich Hospital.”

The Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said that the new MRI machine would mean more services for Ipswich residents.

“The new MRI machine means that every week, fifty fewer patients will have to leave Ipswich to access imaging services,” Mr Madden said.

“The innovative machine is among the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, designed to be as patient friendly as possible.

“The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its promises and the new MRI machine is due to be operational soon, with the first patients being seen by the end of the year.”

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering a bold hospital building agenda across Queensland.

“We’re delivering hundreds of new beds and making healthcare more accessible for residents across South East Queensland, with Ipswich Hospital’s new MRI machine just the latest example,” Minister Miles said.

“This could not have been possible without Jennifer and Jim’s strong advocacy for Ipswich and I’m looking forward to hearing how the first patients get on.