More people in Wānaka can now access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services available from this week, health minister Simeon Brown and associate health minister Matt Doocey said.

“Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary care provider for a funded X-ray or ultrasound have not been able to receive those services locally,” the health minister said.

“That has meant travelling outside of Wānaka for routine diagnostic tests, adding time, cost, and stress for patients and their families.

“[Now] GPs and other primary care providers can refer patients for funded imaging right here in Wānaka. This will help people access the tests they need more quickly and begin treatment sooner.”

The new service is expected to provide around 1,400 X-rays and 1,500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months.

“This expansion has been delivered through outsourcing arrangements that increase local capacity and make better use of available services, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home,” the health minister said.

The associate health minister said the new service directly responds to feedback gathered during last year’s 13 Rural Health Roadshows, which included one in Wānaka where the community made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to care, he said.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and taken practical action.”

Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said during the roadshow “we heard from local health advocates and the community about the need for increased diagnostic services”, which he pushed for. 

“It is great to see those voices being heard and decisions being made to respond to the specific needs of the Wānaka community.”

Local health advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) said it was “thrilled” that Wānaka will have publicly-funded radiology services going forward.

Access to publicly funded x-rays and ultrasounds was one of three ‘quick wins’ the group proposed to the health minister in July last year.

Patients will need to be referred through the existing Community Referred Radiology Programme.

Urgent imaging will continue to be provided at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.

PHOTO: File