23 May 2023

Extended MRI scanning hours to prevent patient delays as new machine is installed at TCH

| Claire Fenwicke
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outside view of Canberra hospital emergency department

Canberra Hospital’s MRI scanning hours have been extended, with one machine being replaced with a newer model. Photo: File.

Don’t be alarmed if you see a hole in one of Canberra Hospital’s buildings – it’s to make way for a new MRI machine.

A cavity will be created in one of the external walls of Building 12 to remove an old MRI machine and replace it with a newer model.

Building 12 was designed for the façade to be removed when new machinery is installed or needs to be replaced.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the $9 million investment, which includes the cost of the machine and its installation, would mean MRI scans in the ACT can be more detailed.

“The new MRI machine will improve diagnosis and treatment time for patients. It will provide clinicians with access to a machine that is easier to use and has increased functionality,” she said.

“Investing in new technology is also an investment in the workforce. By providing access to modern technology and investing in innovative models of care, we are growing the knowledge and experience of the workforce in the ACT.”

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Canberra Hospital has two MRI machines, which means one will be offline while the newer machine is installed.

A Canberra Health Services (CHS) spokesperson said the logistics of removing the old machine and installing the new one was “exceptionally complex” and would take time.

However, plans were already in place to ensure there were no additional hold-ups for people needing an MRI scan.

“Part of that planning is increasing the operation of the other MRI machine to seven days a week and extending the operating hours each day,” they said.

“We also have arrangements in place with private imaging service providers, at no cost to the patient, to service non-acute elective patients and inpatient scans for this period.”

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Operating hours of MRI services increased from Monday (22 May), and it’s now operating seven days a week from 7 am to 8 pm for four weeks.

This will then increase to 7 am to 10 pm with an on-call service available after hours for urgent MRIs.

Previously the regular operating hours had been Monday to Friday, 7 am to 8 pm for one machine and 8 am to 6 pm for the other, with the on-call service also in place.

It’s expected the new machine will be up and running in August.

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