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Medical imaging for regional patients

Posted By festivityhr58

"Medical imaging for regional patients"

About: Geraldton Hospital / Medical Imaging

(as a parent/guardian),

I recently saw the out patient paediatric team for my infant, who referred baby for  an ultrasound and then advised to return for a follow up appointment in 3 months. 

After my appointment I spoke with the Radiology department to book an appointment as instructed. I was surprised to find that the wait period to have an ultrasound appointment is 3 months. Naturally I phoned the private clinic in town, where unfortunately they don’t offer the service I need. My only other option is travel to Perth for the scan. 

I understand staff shortages, but I’m glad I’m not pregnant and or sick and needing urgent scans if the wait period is so long. I have the means to travel to Perth, but my heart goes out to those that don’t. 

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Responses

Response from Cameron Ross, Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest, WA Country Health Service yesterday
Cameron Ross
Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus, Midwest,
WA Country Health Service

Operations Manager Geraldton Health Campus

Submitted on 6/01/2026 at 5:35 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 6:00 PM

picture of Cameron Ross

Dear festivityhr58,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I acknowledge how concerning and frustrating it must be to learn of a lengthy wait for an ultrasound appointment, particularly when this involves an infant and follow‑up care.

At Geraldton Health Campus, we understand how important timely access to diagnostic imaging is, especially for paediatric patients. While urgent and clinically critical scans are prioritised, this can result in longer waits for routine outpatient imaging.

We recognise that travelling to Perth for imaging is not a viable or equitable option for families, and your comments highlight the very real challenges faced by regional patients who rely on local services. Please be assured that we continue to actively review our service capacity and explore recruitment and service‑delivery options to improve access to medical imaging in our region. We have just employed another radiographer this week and will continue to seek other staffing and equipment solutions to improve the accessibility to timely care in the Midwest.

I am happy for you to make contact Rosamund Barnes, Chief Medical Imaging Technologist on 9956 2384 to discuss any concerns with obtaining a timely ultrasound for your child.

Your feedback will be shared with the relevant clinical and operational teams. Hearing directly from patients and families is essential in helping us advocate for improvements and plan future services.

Thank you again for raising this important issue.

Regards

Cameron Ross

Operations Manager - Geraldton Health Campus
WA Country Health Service - Midwest
Tel: 9956 2369

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