COMMUNITY-OWNED MRI FACILITY PLANNED FOR THE WEST COAST
West Coasters could soon be accessing MRI scans closer to home, with plans progressing for a community-owned MRI facility to be established in Greymouth.
The proposed facility, part of the Regional Health South initiative, is planned for a site next to the new Grey District Library development and would become the first MRI service based on the West Coast.
For many Coast families, needing an MRI currently means travelling to Christchurch, often involving long days, extra costs, time away from work and whānau, and delays in getting answers and treatment.
Project partners believe the initiative will make healthcare easier, faster, and more accessible for local people.
Instead of travelling out of the region for scans, West Coasters would be able to access modern diagnostic imaging closer to home and closer to their support networks.
Importantly, the initiative is being developed as a community-owned, west coast-led model focused on delivering long-term benefits for the Coast.
Lynnette Beirne, Health Advocate said” Having an MRI facility here on the West Coast would provide faster outcomes with less travel meaning reduced costs, stress and time away from family support networks for people who reside in our region”
Significant planning work has already been completed, and discussions are underway with Health New Zealand around referral pathways and how the service would integrate into the wider health system to improve access to diagnostics for rural communities.
“This has the potential to make a real difference for Coast people,” Caro Findlay, CEO West Coast Health said.
“Too many families know what it’s like to travel for scans and specialist appointments. Being able to access these services locally would reduce stress, save time, and make healthcare more accessible for our communities.”
The facility would utilise modern digitally enabled technology and specialist partnerships to support high-quality imaging services in a rural setting.
“Our mission at West Coast Health is to use community-based services and approaches to promote and enable better health to the population of the West Coast. said West Coast Health Chair Helen Wilson. “We know that rural communities in Aotearoa experience worse health outcomes that urban communities. Increasing access to critical diagnostic tools like an MRI machine is a tangible way we can improve health outcomes for Coasters. We also believe strongly in a collaborative approach which is why we are thrilled to be a foundation partner in this initiative alongside Poutini Ngai Tahu”.
Rural healthcare providers across the Coast believe local access to MRI services would deliver significant benefits for patients and whānau throughout the region.
Dr Grant Davidson Chief Executive of the Rural Health Network, Hauora Taiwhenua said “Being able to provide key diagnostic MRI services on the Coast will greatly increase access and reduce costs of travel for those living in the West Coast Community. This will speed up diagnosis and therefore treatment and lead to better health outcomes. All those involved in getting this initiative launched should be congratulated on an amazing achievement.”
There is also growing excitement around what the facility could mean for the future of healthcare on the Coast.
“This is about improving access to healthcare and investing in the future wellbeing of our communities,” Lisa Tumahai, CEO Poutini Ngāi Tahu, said.
“It’s something positive for the Coast, and something that has the potential to benefit local people for generations to come.”
Further updates will be shared with the community as planning and discussions continue.
For further information please contact:
Lisa Tumahai
CEO Pōkeka Poutini Ngāi Tahu Ltd
0212293033 or Lisa.Tumahai@ngaitahu.iwi.nz
Caro Findlay,
Chief Executive West Coast Health,
021 901 497 or caro.findlay@westcoastpho.org.nz