New hi-tech scanner to speed up diagnosis and reduce waiting lists: Minister

20/11/02
Health Minister Bob Kucera today unveiled a new generation computerised tomography (CT) scanner at Royal Perth Hospital's Shenton Park campus.
The $1million scanner is a first for the Western Australian public health system and is set to revolutionise the diagnosis of a range of health conditions, including many cancers.
Mr Kucera said this type of scanner - also known as a quad scanner - offered significant benefits to patients and staff.
"We expect waiting lists will be dramatically reduced with the increased efficiency of this new imaging technology, which is up to 50 times faster than older machines," he said.
"With the increased speed of this technology, the need to sedate patients during scanning will also be significantly reduced.
"It not only provides a better picture of the human body, it also helps our doctors more effectively plan surgery and treatment."
RPH performs approximately 12,000 CT examinations per year. With this new technology up to 18,000 scans per year will be possible.
While people requiring urgent CT scans are not placed on waiting lists, other less urgent patients can wait up to two or three months to get a scan.
It is expected that this faster machine will significantly reduce those waiting times.
"Injuries suffered as a result of falls account for almost 50 per cent of admissions through Royal Perth Hospital's emergency department," Mr Kucera said.
"This technology means patients with fall-related injuries will now have their scans faster and be treated quicker than ever before."
People with knee and spinal injuries, tumours that have been removed but require follow-up scans, and those considering live organ donation will also benefit.
Mr Kucera said the State Government was committed to ensuring patients had access to up-to-date medical technology.
Earlier this year, the Government announced the fast-tracking of $20million to urgently upgrade equipment at hospitals throughout the metropolitan area.
Minister's office: 9213 7000