The scanner will be operated by Pacific Radiology at a location that is yet to be determined.
Pacific Radiology Group’s Otago Southland managing radiologist Dr Jacquie Copland said demand for imaging across the Central Lakes region continued to rise.
‘‘The existing Queenstown MRI scanner is one of the busiest in the country, with almost half its patients travelling from Wanaka,’’ she said.
‘‘The multi-million dollar investment is expected to add capacity for up to 4000 additional diagnostic scans each year across the Central lakes region, helping to improve access for patients in Wānaka, Queenstown and surrounding communities.
‘‘As it already does throughout the South Island, Pacific Radiology Group will work with Health New Zealand to increase access to publicly funded MRI imaging for the people of Central Otago region,’’ she said.
Throughout much of 2024 and 2025, the wait-list for MRIs in Health New Zealand’s Southern region ranged between 1000 and 1700 scans.
A spokeswoman for community advocacy group Heath Action Wānaka said they were pleased MRI scans would be available for Wanaka residents later this year.
‘‘Local residents currently travel to Dunedin to access publicly funded MRIs, and to Queenstown for ACC-funded and privately funded MRIs.
‘‘Having services closer to home is a positive step for our community.
‘‘However, our position has always been that equitable access to health services is essential.
‘‘We urge Health New Zealand to work with Pacific Radiology Group to deliver locally available, publicly funded MRI services in Wānaka.
‘‘This would be a logical extension of the recently announced arrangement where Pacific Radiology Group delivers publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services in Wānaka for routine imaging,’’ the spokeswoman said.
