Sophie Conlon
The City of Mount Gambier will call for the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) to review the need for specialist equipment in the Mount Gambier Hospital.
At council’s April meeting councillor Max Bruins put forward that council request the LCLHN to investigate whether an Erbium Laser machine could be viable in Mount Gambier/ Berrin.
He said the equipment was not available locally, leaving patients having to travel for treatment.
“I have had discussions with community members this month, several of them have been travelling to Adelaide on quite a regular basis to undergo treatment for multiple skincare appointments,“ he said.
“They said the specialist they see actually does consult in Mount Gambier from time to time and is proficient in using the equipment, however because we do not have that equipment in Mount Gambier they cannot treat community members while they are here.“
Cr Bruins said he had done research and believed there would be minimal costs to install an Erbium Laser machine locally.
“They appear to be available at a relatively modest cost and would potentially save the need for many residents to travel for treatment on a regular basis,“ he said.
The Erbium Laser can treat pre-cancerous skin conditions and is minimally invasive.
With the motion passing, council will request a review and call for a report of that review to be presented back.
