ULTRASOUND UPGRADES: Sonographer Janelle Toole, Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager Jenny Webb and Sonographer Suzanne Woods.
In a real boost to the region, residents in Forbes, Orange and Dubbo are reaping the benefits of almost half a million dollars’ worth of state-of-the-art imaging equipment upgrades at the hospitals. Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) invested $450,000 to upgrade the three sites’ ultra-sound machines.
WNSWLHD Medical Imaging Services General Manager James Harvey said, “This provides an important boost to the region’s Medical Imaging services. We have a very thorough replacement program for our Medical Imaging equipment, this year alone we have replaced nearly $3.5 million worth of equipment across a range of sites including Orange, Dubbo, Forbes, Coonabarabran and Bourke.”
“We strive to ensure our Medical Imaging Departments and staff utilise the best and most up-to-date equipment as possible, leading to improved diagnostic outcomes for patients.”
All three new machines are operational and in use while the new unit at Forbes Hospital is providing patients in the area with more access to care – something many have been championing for some time.
Forbes Health Service Medical Imaging Manager, Jenny Webb was ecstatic with the news.
“Having world class, state-of-the-art imaging equipment in a rural community benefits all patients referred to our Medical Imaging Service. We can offer a wide variety of scan types that patients don’t need to travel elsewhere for – saving time, effort, money and transport,” she said.
“Any patient that requires an ultrasound, from within the hospital or a referral, can access Forbes Medical Imaging ultrasound services. Ultrasound uses no radiation and is excellent at visualising soft tissues such as organs, muscles, blood flows and commonly used for pregnancy.”
The equipment has been funded through a combination of leasing, trade-ins and capital funding. The WNSWLHD budget for 2020-21 is more than $1 billion, that’s $21 million more than the previous year.