Bowen Hospital’s first CT scanner is now up and running as part of the health centre’s new $7 million medical imaging wing and expanded dialysis service.
The specialised medical imaging equipment uses x-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of a person’s body.
The first patient to benefit from the new equipment was a Bowen bike rider hit by a car.
After an x-ray showed no signs of problems, the follow-up CT scan revealed the biker had suffered several small fractures.
The CT scanner allowed the bike rider to stay in Bowen when he would normally have to travel to Proserpine or Mackay for the same test. Patients had previously been, on average, transferred three times a day from the hospital for the service.
“He was incredibly grateful to have a firm diagnosis of his injuries and to be cared for in Bowen close to his family,” Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said.
Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath said this CT will further deliver timely diagnosis and treatment for patients in Bowen and surrounding regions.
“Providing urgent medical imaging locally will see reduced admissions overnight for those requiring transfers the next day,” The Minister said.
The imaging building project is jointly funded with $5 million from the Federal Government, $1 million from Mackay Hospital and Health Service and a $1 million bequest by the Cyril Isbell estate.
It includes rooms for CT imaging, general x-ray, ultrasound, orthopantomogram (OPG), and administrative facilities.
The building’s renal dialysis service will be ready for the commissioning of full services by the end of this month, including the transfer of renal dialysis chairs.
The new CT scanner is the first of its kind in Bowen Hospital and part of the centre’s new $7 million-dollar imaging wing
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
