The Mildura Health Foundation has announced its next major community fundraising project, with plans to raise $6 million to establish a PET/CT scanning service in Mildura.
The Foundation is focused on bringing advanced cancer diagnostic technology to the region, reducing the need for patients to travel hundreds of kilometres for essential scans.
Mildura Health Foundation Chair Terry Hill said the project aligns with the Foundation's mission of improving access to healthcare and supporting people affected by cancer.
"We established the Foundation to improve access to healthcare for people across our region, and particularly to support patients and families navigating cancer. A PET/CT scanner is the next logical step in that journey," Mr Hill said.
A PET/CT scanner combines two advanced imaging technologies into one scan. The CT scan shows the body’s internal structures, while the PET scan shows how tissues and organs are functioning at a cellular level. Together, they help specialists detect cancer, assess whether it has spread, monitor treatment effectiveness and identify recurrence.
Mr Hill said it was estimated that each year Sunraysia residents underwent more than 1000 PET scans which had to be undertaken in Bendigo, Adelaide or Melbourne.
“For someone already dealing with a cancer diagnosis, travelling several hundred kilometres for a scan can be physically exhausting, emotionally stressful and financially challenging," he said.
"Bringing PET/CT scanning to Mildura would allow more patients to receive diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring and follow-up care close to home.”
The fundraising target would be used to purchase land and an existing building within the Thirteenth Street health precinct, undertake building renovations and fit-out works, and purchase the PET/CT scanner and associated equipment.
"This is an ambitious project, but the impact it would have on patients and families across our region cannot be overstated," Mr Hill said.
"This is about giving local families access to critical cancer diagnostics closer to home and every single donation will bring us one step closer to making that a reality for our region."
Donations for the PET/CT fundraising project can be made at: https://www.mhfoundation.com.au/pet-ct-scanner-appeal or by contacting Foundation Corporate Secretary Cheryl Rix on 0418 170 074 or cherylr@mhfoundation.com.au
The Foundation is focused on bringing advanced cancer diagnostic technology to the region, reducing the need for patients to travel hundreds of kilometres for essential scans.
Mildura Health Foundation Chair Terry Hill said the project aligns with the Foundation's mission of improving access to healthcare and supporting people affected by cancer.
"We established the Foundation to improve access to healthcare for people across our region, and particularly to support patients and families navigating cancer. A PET/CT scanner is the next logical step in that journey," Mr Hill said.
A PET/CT scanner combines two advanced imaging technologies into one scan. The CT scan shows the body’s internal structures, while the PET scan shows how tissues and organs are functioning at a cellular level. Together, they help specialists detect cancer, assess whether it has spread, monitor treatment effectiveness and identify recurrence.
Mr Hill said it was estimated that each year Sunraysia residents underwent more than 1000 PET scans which had to be undertaken in Bendigo, Adelaide or Melbourne.
“For someone already dealing with a cancer diagnosis, travelling several hundred kilometres for a scan can be physically exhausting, emotionally stressful and financially challenging," he said.
"Bringing PET/CT scanning to Mildura would allow more patients to receive diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring and follow-up care close to home.”
The fundraising target would be used to purchase land and an existing building within the Thirteenth Street health precinct, undertake building renovations and fit-out works, and purchase the PET/CT scanner and associated equipment.
"This is an ambitious project, but the impact it would have on patients and families across our region cannot be overstated," Mr Hill said.
"This is about giving local families access to critical cancer diagnostics closer to home and every single donation will bring us one step closer to making that a reality for our region."
Donations for the PET/CT fundraising project can be made at: https://www.mhfoundation.com.au/pet-ct-scanner-appeal or by contacting Foundation Corporate Secretary Cheryl Rix on 0418 170 074 or cherylr@mhfoundation.com.au
