A groundbreaking mobile CT scan service, the first of its kind in Western Australia, is set to enhance early detection of serious diseases in regional and mining communities that struggle with access to screening.

Initiated by Nell Gillett, founder of Tibi Healthcare, this mobile scan service aims to address significant healthcare gaps in these underserved areas, emphasizing the critical need for earlier disease detection.

The service will launch in conjunction with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in July 2025, specifically targeting high-risk individuals aged 50 to 70 who do not exhibit symptoms.

Named Dr. Bobby in honor of Dr. Gillett's late father, the mobile unit features a consultation room and telehealth facilities, enabling patients to receive scans and results in a single visit.

Equipped with advanced technology, the mobile scanner, which is built into a trailer, will provide detailed imaging to diagnose various conditions including lung cancer, heart disease, and silicosis.

Dr. Gillett emphasized that late disease detection often results in poorer health outcomes for regional residents, who may lack local medical support for symptoms such as persistent coughs.

Neil Foster, manager at Siemens Healineers, noted that mobile screening access could significantly improve healthcare availability for communities hindered by distance and infrastructure challenges.

Currently, the public health system in regional WA has only 10 CT scanners, with two located in each of the Pilbara, Goldfields, Kimberley, Wheatbelt, and Mid West regions.

The inaugural stop for the mobile scanner will be in the Pilbara region, marking a significant step forward in healthcare accessibility for these communities.