New technology transforms Maryborough Hospital into medical imaging leader

Maryborough Hospital patients now have access to new state-of-the-art digital medical imaging technology, meaning less waiting time and more efficient diagnosis.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said a $450,000 upgrade to Maryborough Hospital’s fixed and mobile x-ray equipment would provide the facility with world-class technology that would lead to greater efficiency and accuracy both for imaging and diagnostics.

“This equipment is the first of its kind at a public health facility on the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“It’s very new technology, comparable to what’s being used in Queensland’s biggest hospitals, and it will make a significant difference to staff and patients in terms of waiting and turnaround time and the accuracy of diagnostics.

“This upgrade is one of many investments to ensure Maryborough Hospital continues to meet the ever-growing needs of the future.”

Jason Whelan, Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Director of Medical Imaging on the Fraser Coast, said the upgraded x-ray units enable high efficiency and high patient throughput due to powerful automated features.

Mr Whelan said on average, about 870 patients per month had accessed the new x-ray equipment since it was commissioned in June.

He said the new technology meant a shorter imaging process because radiographers no longer had to use a film processor, but instead used a digital detector – meaning images would be almost instantly available.

“Image acquisition is about three seconds, compared to about 90 seconds with conventional radiography,” Mr Whelan said.

“There’s also superb image quality due to state-of-the-art detector technology and advanced image processing, meaning a lot more detail and enabling better and faster diagnosis.

WBHHS Board Chair Peta Jamieson said the technical improvements resulting from the new equipment were bringing tangible benefits to patients.

“I’m pleased this upgrade in technology is ensuring patients at Maryborough Hospital benefit from a higher standard of medical imaging,” she said.

“It’s important for the Board and for WBHHS to constantly be looking ahead and assessing our infrastructure needs and priorities, and this digital upgrade is a great example of how technology improvement is having a meaningful and positive impact on patients.”

The project is funded through the WBHHS’s rolling Health Technology Equipment Replacement Program. The HHS received $581.9 million in funding under the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s latest budget, an increase of $57.4 million, to help support the service to fund investments like this one.

ENDS

Media contact:          Anika Hume    0447 320 039