The LNP will provide around the clock access to potentially lifesaving CT scans at the Ayr Hospital if elected this month.

Thousands of residents added their name to a petition last year calling for the service with many also sharing stories of how they or their loved ones needed to be transferred to Townsville due to after-hours CT scans not being available locally.

LNP Member for Burdekin, Dale Last, said the announcement of a permanent CT Scanner at the Ayr Hospital would deliver easier access to health services, ease pressure on frontline services during time critical emergencies and had the potential to deliver better outcomes for patients.

“The LNP will restore health services when you need them with the Right Plan for Queensland’s future,” Mr Last said.

“As many as 15 patients a week are needing to be transported to Townsville for diagnosis of potentially time-critical conditions such as strokes; a process that can take up to 5 hours. To have a CT scanner in Ayr able to be accessed 24/7 by emergency staff will ease pressure on our ambulance service and could save lives.”

“Our plan will heal Labor’s Health Crisis by diagnosing the issues from within our health system, treating the causes and delivering long-term solutions to care.

"Time is up for Labor’s Health Crisis, which has left nearly one in two Queenslanders ramped in ambulances, more than 60,000 Queenslanders waiting for elective surgery and nearly 300,000 on the waitlist to see a specialist.”

Mr Last said Queenslanders could vote for a new CT scanner at Ayr Hospital and a government which worked for them, by voting LNP at this election.

“The Burdekin community has made it clear just how important having a CT scanner at their local hospital is to them and I am proud to say that, unlike Labor, the LNP has heard those calls loud and clear,” Mr Last said.

“This state needs a fresh start and only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland.”