What’s happening:
On Thursday, 9 October 2025, I-MED Radiology opened a PET/CT service at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton. Local patients and referrers now have advanced imaging in Rockhampton for the first time.
Previously, patients travelled more than 300 kilometres to Mackay or Bundaberg for PET/CT scans.
Why it matters:
Mandy Pengilly, General Manager QLD/NT at I-MED Radiology, called the service a game changer. “This is more than just a new piece of equipment, it’s about fairness, access and quality of care,” she said.
“People in Rockhampton and across Central Queensland deserve the same standard of care as patients in Brisbane or Sydney, without needing to travel hundreds of kilometres.” “We know how much of a burden travel for specialist care can be, physically, emotionally, and financially. This new PET/CT service brings vital imaging closer to where people live, and that really matters. We’re incredibly proud to invest in regional healthcare, and to stand alongside the Rockhampton community as we continue to grow services that meet their needs,” Ms Pengilly added.
Local impact:
Rockhampton residents will now benefit from earlier diagnosis and improved treatment planning for serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The new facility ensures patients can receive world-class diagnostic care locally, reducing travel costs and stress for families across Central Queensland.
State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said access to a PET/CT scanner had been a critical need for over a decade. “I congratulate I-MED Radiology Network for taking this opportunity to extend their service provision, bringing this vital service closer to home means better, faster care for Central Queenslanders, right where they live.”
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton General Manager Allison Cassidy said the service would enhance specialist care. “This technology will improve the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions for Mater patients.”
“Importantly, it will also ensure patients can be seen on-site here at Mater, instead of having to travel to other regional cities. It’s a win-win for Rockhampton.”
By the numbers:
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Patients once travelled about 300 kilometres to Mackay or Bundaberg for PET/CT scans, which this local service removes.
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I-MED operates 210 clinics across Australia and New Zealand, performing about 7 million procedures each year for patients.
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The network includes 450 doctors and 4,000 staff, which supports consistent, high-quality service for referrers and patients.
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I-MED’s teleradiology supports over 2 million patients annually, providing 24/7 reporting through I-TeleRAD across Australia and New Zealand.
Zoom In:
Dr Neeraja Badam, Clinical Director and Radiologist at I-MED Rockhampton, said the new service means “clearer answers faster for the Central Queensland region.”
“Having this service available locally is genuinely transformative. It allows patients, under the guidance of a qualified health practitioner, to access safe, timely, and high-quality imaging close to home – with far less disruption to their everyday lives,” she said.
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton General Manager Allison Cassidy added that the new technology “will improve the diagnosis and treatment of a range of conditions for Mater patients” and ensure they can be seen on-site instead of travelling to other regional cities.
Zoom Out:
The service represents I-MED’s ongoing commitment to regional healthcare investment, fully funding the installation and operation of the PET/CT technology. Across Australia and New Zealand, I-MED performs about 7 million patient procedures each year and provides 24/7 teleradiology reporting through its I-TeleRAD network.
State Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland welcomed the milestone, saying access to a PET/CT scanner had been “a critical need for over a decade.” She congratulated I-MED for “bringing this vital service closer to home,” calling it a step toward “better, faster care for Central Queenslanders.”
What to look for next
Expect continued growth of local imaging services in Rockhampton, as flagged by I-MED’s commitment to the community. Referrers and patients can watch for service enhancements guided by local health needs.
