Patients to benefit from enhanced medical imaging services at Bathurst Health Service

Computed Tomography is an advanced imaging technique, which provides more detail and precision than standard X-rays, to help diagnose internal injuries, tumours, infections and diseases, and better inform care plans for patients regarding their treatment options. This may involve surgery, specific treatment modalities such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy and medications.

Corey Hemopo, the Western NSW Local Health District General Manager of Imaging Services, said the $1.6 million upgrade will replace Bathurst Health Service’s existing machine, ensuring all patients who require advanced imaging will have access to the latest technology.

“Investing in this state-of-the-art CT technology will significantly strengthen local diagnostic services and help our clinicians to make more accurate and timely decisions about each patient’s care,” Mr Hemopo said.

“Faster, higher-quality imaging won’t just help our patients get the care they need sooner with lower radiation exposure, it will also ease a lot of the stress and uncertainty that can come with waiting for a diagnosis, particularly in emergencies or urgent situations.

“The new CT scanner is being installed as part of our District’s robust asset replacement plan and will provide benefits for the local community, but also for our patients and smaller health services across the wider region.”

Mr Hemopo said the installation of the new CT scanner will begin on Monday 1 December, and is expected to take two weeks, with comprehensive plans in place to ensure patients can still receive acute care locally during the establishment process.

“Our District’s Mobile CT Scanner will be stationed at Bathurst Health Service to support emergency and admitted patients throughout the installation, to ensure patients will continue to receive their scans at the hospital,” Mr Hemopo said.

“We will also support any outpatients who require imaging so they can receive their scans with as little inconvenience as possible, whether that be through a private provider in town, or at another one of our facilities, as close to home as possible.”

Jo Holden, Bathurst Health Service’s Transformation and General Manager, said the new CT service will be a major asset for the hospital and its dedicated workforce when providing emergency and planned care across the region.

“This is an important, exciting upgrade for our hospital, and it will help our clinicians and teams as they continue providing safe, high-quality care for all our patients. It will make a real difference for patients and their families,” Ms Holden said.

“The Mobile CT Scanner will be stationed near the front of the hospital’s main entrance, but I want to assure the community the way they access they hospital and the emergency department will remain the same, with no impact on access to the hospital’s services.

“We will be making some temporary changes to traffic conditions to make sure everyone remains safe when coming onto campus, including minor changes to our drop off zone at the front of the hospital and establishing one-way traffic flows.

“All changes will be very clearly signposted, and I’d ask everyone to please follow those directions to avoid congestion. We understand this temporary change may create a slight inconvenience, but it is necessary, not just to keep us all safe, but also to ensure this state-of-the-art care can be made available to our patients.”

Bathurst Health Service’s upgraded CT scanner is expected to begin operations on Tuesday 16 December.