Townsville Hospital home to improved MRI machine

Townsville Hospital is home to a brand new $2.7 million MRI machine that will better serve the community and even plays movies to settle nervous children.

Premier Anna Bligh unveiled the 3T VERIO MRI while visiting Townsville Hospital with Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone.

The new machine, is funded through the Queensland Government’s Health Technology Equipment Replacement program, and begins operation July 6.

“This new equipment is the first of its kind in Townsville, has better capabilities than the machine it replaces, and will be a boost for patients,” Ms Bligh said.

“It is capable of working about 25% faster, meaning less patient time in the machine, the tunnel is bigger which allows larger patients to have scans done, and it produces better images.

“One of the added advantages to this new machine is that it uses mirrors and a projector to play movies or music to patients while they are being scanned.

“A normal scan can take up to an hour to complete and is quite noisy, creating a scary environment.

“Previously many children were automatically given a general anaesthetic to keep them still.

“Now, medical imaging staff will be able to question the child and their parents and if staff think they can handle not being put under, the child will be offered a movie instead.

“When necessary, movies may also be offered to adults if they are concerned about claustrophobia and other methods have not worked,” Ms Bligh said.

Deputy director of medical imaging services Naomi Gibson said the machine also had two new neurological capabilities.

“One produces a 3D picture of the nerve pathways in the brain helping neurosurgeons assess the safest and least damaging way of performing an operation.

“The other capability detects de-oxygenated blood, haemorrhages and iron storage which is evidence of brain bleeds.

“This helps doctors determine the age of a brain bleed which means they can select the right clinical management straight up,” she said.

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said the multi-million dollar machine is great news for Townsville and the region.

“For our doctors and nurses having these extra imaging capabilities at their fingertips will be a huge asset.

“This is all about giving more information to the clinicians which results in better patient care,” Ms Johnstone said.

Patients require a referral from their medical specialist to have any MRI procedure done.

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