Just last week, neighbouring Cowra Council made clear its concerns to the federal health minister about ramifications to local services if medical imaging laws change.

Young, like Cowra, also runs the risk of losing vital CT and x-ray services should the bill be passed.

Alpenglow, which has diagnostic imaging clinics across the Central West and Riverina including Young Diagnostic Imaging, says it could become too costly to provide CT services if they are no longer exempt from laws that require them to have a supervising radiologist on site.

The uncertainty is a concern for many who especially cannot afford to travel great distances to access vital medical diagnostic services according to Alpenglow CEO Alan McCarthy. 

“Alpenglow has been in Young for 10 years and it was one of the first practices established in regional Australia by Alpenglow,” he said.

“If the new medical imaging law is passed it will mean that patients need to travel long distances just to get a Medicare rebate.

“If they stay and have their scans in town then they wear the cost should the bill be passed,” he said. 

According to Mr McCarthy, “Alpenglow provides a quality of service which is on at least the same if not better level of quality and patient safety as the metropolitan areas.” 

“Before Alpenglow opened its sites across Australia there was little or no access to the services we provide in many regional communities,” Mr McCarthy said. 

“While only a discussion paper has been forward the fact it is being thought about is not ideal.”

Already meetings have been held with a variety of key stakeholders from Young Shire Council to state and federal government representatives and members.

“We sent a comprehensive submission and recommendations to Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash,” Mr McCarthy said.

“Both members were very receptive and understand what is at stake,” he said.

“Young has current technology so quality isnt an argument and it is on par with any metro area. We dont accept that the quality suffers.”

Although no decision has been made as yet according to Senator Nash’s response to Cowra Councillor Bill West, the fact there is a discussion paper is of concern to Mr McCarthy. 

“We acknowledge that there may be a better way to appraoch this but we don’t think the answer is the new law being touted.

“Some 70 communities including Young would be drastically affected if it gets the green light,” he said.

Still, it’s cold comfort for the citizens of Young and Cowra who rely on the imaging services. 

“We expect a review point sooner rather than later,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The bush can’t afford to take any more hits - especially to medical services and resources.

“I’m optimistic we will get the right solution.”