The scanner would be a first for the hospital, which has previously relied on using the technology at neighbouring Rosebud Radiology, a private radiology practice under Medical Imaging Australia.

Peninsula Health spokesman John Jukes said rapid growth on the peninsula had led to the need for a second scanner. "Rosebud Hospital is growing and evolving and we are trying and meet the expanding needs as quickly as we can."

The Rosebud community had always been supportive of the hospital, Mr Jukes said.

"Community organisations on the southern peninsula have been very generous and we are delighted to see them helping support the hospital once again.

"Rosebud Rotary will go out to all community groups to rally for funds to support the purchase of the CT scanner."

The hospital would also run a public campaign with the assistance of Rotary to raise the funds. "We are very delighted that Rotary is getting behind this - Rotary has been a long-term supporter of the hospital," Mr Jukes said.

Rosebud Hospital executive director Jan Child welcomed the support of Rotary in purchasing a 16-slice CT scanner. "With this scanner staff will be able to generate and create accurate imaging more quickly, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

"The new scanner will be of great benefit for inpatient and emergency department patients, by providing a more timely diagnosis. This will also minimise the inconvenience for patients of transferring off site for their examination."

Mrs Child said the scanner would provide high-quality images in much more detail than conventional X-ray examination.

The scanner would provide high resolution in all imaging planes of the brain, chest, abdomen, extremities and spines. It also had the capacity to conduct vascular studies of thoracic and abdominal aorta, carotid, cerebral and peripheral vessels.

Mr Jukes said qualified technicians would be operating the new equipment but staffing needs were still being discussed.

"We may receive some financial assistance from the state government in the future to continue to operate the equipment."

Rosebud Hospital auxiliary will continue to raise funds in conjunction with other community organisations for the scanner.

Mr Jukes said with the level of community support and fund-raising, the scanner could be up and running within 12 months.