A new 3 Tesla (T) Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine has been installed at Canberra Hospital.
ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA said the ACT Government’s $9 million investment into this health infrastructure will give Canberrans access to the latest medical imaging technology.
“The extra power of the new MRI allows scans to be done at a greater level of detail,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
It reduces the time taken to do scans, improving the rate at which MRI scans can be processed and overall treatment times for patients.
The machine creates crisp imaging, improving diagnosis and reducing the need for a repeat scan.
“Combined with the recent installation of a new Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at Canberra Hospital and the expansion of medical imaging services in the community through the new Weston Creek Imaging Service, this new 3T MRI machine demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investing in modern infrastructure and equipment across the ACT health system,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The significant upgrade is also an investment in our workforce, providing clinicians with access to a machine that is easier to use and has increased functionality.
“The MRI replacement project is one of many infrastructure projects happening across the Canberra Hospital campus, including the Critical Services Building, the expansion of the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, upgrades to Pharmacy and Medical Imaging services, and a new cancer research centre.
“The ACT Government will continue to invest in new equipment and infrastructure to ensure our dedicated teams can provide high-quality care to support the health of our region.”
In the three months since the new Weston Creek Imaging Service opened, 1,878 people have used the service instead of going to the Canberra Hospital. It has provided 589 CT scans, 464 Ultrasounds, and 825 X-rays.
“The imaging service at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre provides a great connection to the Weston Creek Walk-in Centre and a better option for non-urgent patients to get CT scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays without needing to go to hospital,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
The ACT Government reminded Canberrans that consumers over the age of 16 with a referral from a GP, specialist or allied health professional can walk in to get an x-ray at the Weston Creek Imaging Service if an on-the-spot appointment is available.
However, for CT scans and ultrasounds, patients will need to make an appointment through the Medical Imaging Service at Canberra Hospital, so they can work out if the scan is right for this service. To book, call (02) 5124 2159.
