Previous independent provider I-MED Goulburn Valley had ceased providing ultrasound at both Numurkah and Cobram in January and May respectively.
Although ultrasound services have already returned to Numurkah, NCN Health director of operations Justin Sullivan said the Cobram service would return at a later date.
“NCN Health is finalising the purchase of the ultrasound machine and staffing requirements (for the Cobram service). Once in place we hope to recommence the service in early July,” he said.
The new ultrasound service, alongside the existing X-ray service, will be owned and operated by NCN Health with support from GV Health for reporting requirements.
Mr Sullivan said they hoped facilitating ultrasounds themselves would secure the resource and provide greater ease of access to the community.
“Appointments for both ultrasound and X-ray will be made directly to our reception, meaning the community no longer have to call a centralised number,” he said.
“The service will be staffed by NCN Health and we will partner with GV Health who will provide support in the reporting requirements.
“Initially days of operation for ultrasound will be Monday to Thursday in Numurkah, and Cobram will offer Monday to Wednesday.”
The organisation is currently working on staffing both services on a full-time basis.
The X-ray service will still operate five days a week in Cobram.
I-MED Goulburn Valley notified NCN Health it would no longer provide ultrasound services in Cobram in mid-April for a May 2 closure, after the Numurkah service closed in January.
The medical imaging provider cited ongoing challenges sourcing and retaining staff in the region for the closure, which left patients needing ultrasound to travel to Shepparton or Yarrawonga for service.