A "SEVERE shortage" of radiologists across Australia has led to urgent scans from the John Hunter Hospital being sent to the United Kingdom for assessment, Sonia Hornery says.
The State Member for Wallsend met with Hunter New England Health chief executive Michael Di Rienzo on Tuesday to raise concerns about scans being sent interstate, as well as traffic congestion, at the hospital.
"Michael advised me that there is a severe shortage of radiologists right across Australia, and many hospitals - including the John Hunter - are unable to secure the services of any to work the night shift," she said. "There are a number of vacancies at the John Hunter that they have not been able to fill. Scans from the John Hunter are in fact sent to the UK for assessment in life-threatening cases for scans performed during the night. Results are returned within an hour."
Ms Hornery said she understood there to be restrictions on the number of new radiologists allowed to practice by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
