FSH unveils high-tech medical equipment

• Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) demonstrates advanced medical equipment

• FSH to record WA-first with high-tech imaging machine in a hybrid theatre

• New equipment includes leading edge X-ray machine for cardiology procedures

• More than 300 pieces of major equipment purchased at cost of $32million

The State Government has unveiled key components of the advanced medical equipment at the $2billion Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

The high-tech imaging equipment and a powerful X-ray system for cardiology and vascular procedures are among more than 300 pieces of major equipment already purchased for the hospital.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the installation of major medical equipment was a significant milestone in the clinical commissioning program of FSH.

Dr Hames said the 783-bed FSH was the biggest and most complex public tertiary health facility ever to be built in Western Australia.

Construction is now more than 95 per cent complete, with a staged opening scheduled to begin in October 2014.

"Fiona Stanley Hospital will be one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the world, equipped with the most advanced medical equipment to treat West Australians," the Minister said.

"We have already finalised the procurement of more than 300 pieces of world-class major medical equipment at a cost of $32million. This equipment will ensure clinicians can deliver the very best care to patients."

Dr Hames said FSH was the first public hospital in WA to install the Siemens Artis Zeego imaging equipment in a hybrid operating theatre, which allowed high-quality radiological imaging to be performed during a surgical procedure.

"The hybrid theatre is an innovation that allows open surgery and catheter procedures, along with imaging, to be conducted in the same room.  This eliminates the need to transfer patients from catheter laboratories to operating theatres to complete complex and/or multiple procedures, or from the operating theatre to a radiography facility," he said.

"It is absolutely amazing to see the Artis Zeego imaging equipment at work in the hybrid theatre - its 'C-arm' uses robotic technology which gives surgeons a huge range of positioning options and allows them virtually unlimited freedom of movement for greater patient access and improved patient outcomes.

An advanced Philips interventional X-ray system to be used for cardiology-related procedures was also demonstrated.

"This system dramatically reduces the X-ray dose to patients and staff while delivering high-quality images, which enables longer and more complex procedures to be performed," the Minister said.

Dr Hames said FSH was the centrepiece of the Government's $7billion hospital building program - the biggest in WA's history.

It would include a dedicated paediatric emergency department and 29 paediatric beds, as well as the State burns service and a world-class medical research facility accommodating the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research.

The hospital includes 6,300 rooms, 4,400 timber doors, 36,000 light fittings and 100km of power and lighting cabling.

It includes a state-of-the-art information and communications system that will deliver patient records, X-rays, scans, medication management and other vital medical information to a single screen at the patient's bed.

The same screen will deliver television, movies and the internet to patients - as well as giving them the ability to make video calls to family and friends outside the hospital.

       Fact File

• FSH will be opened progressively in a four-phased sequence that prioritises patient safety and care, beginning with the State rehabilitation service in October 2014

• Community members are welcome to attend FSH community open day on October 26 between 11am-2pm

• More information at http://www.fsh.health.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300