27-hour wait for MRI because Sutherland Hospital unit won't be operating for another two years
Updated
Como resident John Hughes is smiling again and (before the lockdown) was back on the bowling green as he recovers from a hospital ordeal which brought to mind the British comedies Yes Minister and Monty Python.
Mr Hughes waited 27 hours for an MRI after arriving at Sutherland Hospital with stroke symptoms - the loss of movement in his left hand and forearm.
Because the hospital's promised MRI unit won't be operating for another two years, Mr Hughes was to be taken next day to St George Hospital for scans
That plan was scuttled when there was no vacancy, so, instead, he was taken instead by taxi to a private clinic in Hurstville.
Long wait: Brad Hazzard with shire MPs at the 2020 MRI announcement at Sutherland Hospital. Picture: John Veage
He returned to Sutherland Hospital before being transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital where he had surgery and spent five days.
In a letter to the Leader, Mr Hughes said, 'Upon learning of the lack of MRI facilities at Sutherland and the delays experienced by all patients in similar circumstances to myself, my disbelief and anger knew no bounds".
"I cannot conceive that within a NSW Health budget which must approach the billion dollar mark, this essential piece of equipment is not available at my local hospital in an affluent area of Sydney.
"I was reminded of the episode of the late, great British comedy Yes Minister where one hospital had received awards for efficiency because they didn't have any patients.
"The powers that be could contact the Monty Python management to ascertain whether the 'machine that goes ping" is available for lease or rental, which would, at least, give the illusion that something is being done."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced in September 2020 $7 million in funding to instal an MRI as part of an $81.5 million operating theatres complex redevelopment at Sutherland Hospital.
MRI campaign leaders Sandra Hudson and Marilyn Urch have been seeking to have the unit available earlier, even if its is housed in an alternative site in the hospital until the major upgrade is finished.
However, in a reply, dated May 10, Mr Hazzard offered no alternative and said, "While every effort is made to deliver health projects in a timely way, it is not possible to complete this project any sooner."
Ms Hudson and Ms Urch said, "We are concerned for the patients who will still have to wait to be transported away from the hospital to have an MRI, on the 3 per day limit on 5 days of the week for another few years".
State budget papers last week gave 2022 as the completion date for the MR installation, but health officials say the machine won't be available to the public until 2023.
A spokeswoman for Health Infrastructure said the state government has committed an additional $7 million in funding for an MRI service at Sutherland Hospital, building on the $81.5 million investment in the redevelopment of the Operating Theatre Complex.
"The world-class MRI facility will provide Sutherland Hospital and the surrounding local community with it's first 3T MRI and will enable this service to be provided locally, reducing the need to transfer patients," she said.
"The MRI facility will begin construction in late 2021 and is on track to be installed by the end of 2022.
"The service is expected to open to patients in 2023, after an operational commissioning period has been completed which involves calibrating and testing the MRI.
"As with any major medical equipment, it's essential to complete these activities before the MRI starts operation."