Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) has invested $2.7 million to buy three new state-of-the-art medical imaging machines, with another on the way later this year, to deliver higher-quality imaging for medical practitioners and better outcomes for patients.
Three new medical imaging devices, valued at $1.2 million, were installed at BRHS late last year.
These are:
– A low-dose, fixed fluoroscopy/digital radiography unit – a multi-purpose device that is used for a range of medical imaging-guided procedures and general radiography
– A mobile low-dose fluoroscopy unit for use in BRHS surgical theatres, and
– A low-dose digital 2D/3D mammography unit for diagnostic use and to support Breastscreen Victoria programs.
Meanwhile, another technologically advanced piece of equipment, a new $1.5 million
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit will be installed later in the year.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of news last week that BRHS will now bulk bill around 95 per cent of all medical imaging procedures.
BRHS acting chief executive officer Kathy Kinrade said the major medical imaging refresh was driven by her predecessor Robyn Hayles, who left BRHS in October 2024, and medical imaging manager Steve Blackwell.
“Both of the fluoroscopy units and the new mammography unit are now in service and working well, and we are very excited about the impending arrival of our new MRI scanner, which is expected to be installed around September this year,” Kathy said.
“We’re investing heavily in medical imaging because it enhances our diagnostic abilities by providing more accurate and better-quality images that our medical staff can use to treat our patients.”
Steve said the new equipment will deliver benefits for medical practitioners and patients.
“The imaging pathway with this new technology is so much more efficient. Patient doses are extremely low and the image quality is greatly improved, which means that when the radiologists are reviewing the images, they can get a more accurate diagnosis,” he said.
Like the new units already in place, the MRI due later this year will deliver even better diagnoses and patient care.
“If you can get earlier and more accurate diagnoses, you can commence patient management initiatives sooner and improve patient outcomes, which is what we’re all about,” he said
The new MRI scanner offers the gold standard in diagnostic imaging for a range of musculo-skeletal, spinal, neurological and abdominal conditions.
“The image quality is far superior to what we have now and the scan times will be much shorter. Some patients suffer from claustrophobia from being inside the MRI machine. Reducing the scan time makes the patient that much more comfortable,” Steve said.
Kathy said that the substantial investment in medical imaging technology shows her team’s commitment to enhancing patient care into the future.
“We’re looking forward and planning for the future as East Gippsland’s population and demand for our services grows,” Kathy said.
