Logan Hospital's new Medical Imaging Department has opened its doors with proud staff showing off their new state-of-the-art technology that will significantly boost capacity to provide patients with the scans they need sooner.
The new department features x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites in addition to new patient and staff facilities.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman, said the Medical Imaging Department was a key enabler of the Queensland Government's record $1 billion-plus expansion of Logan Hospital.
"It means the supporting infrastructure is available to service the three new floors opening in early 2024 – which includes five new inpatient units, a new Intensive Care Unit, a new Coronary Care Unit, plus a range of other supporting services," the Minister said.
Logan Hospital's Director of Medical Imaging Mark Horder said the new department featured the very latest in diagnostic imaging technology including the new MRI featuring a 3T (tesla) system equipped with a magnet far more powerful than the hospital’s existing scanner.
He said the new MRI and CT scanners both featured artificial intelligence that tracked patient movements such as their breathing patterns to assist radiographers in efficiently performing the scans.
"This technology results in a clearer and more complete image, potentially leading to faster and more accurate diagnosis of patients," Mr Horder said.
He said the department had been designed to put patients first and in a Queensland first, immersive lighting, video and sound experiences had been installed in the MRI suite, to distract and entertain patients while their scan was underway.
"Having a system that enhances comfort and provides a distraction while the scan is underway is not only a better experience for patients, it can also provide better results," he said.
"We’ve also invested in a 'Kitten Scanner' – a miniature scanner that the radiography team will use to prepare and educate children for an upcoming MRI or CT scan in a playful way."
Metro South Health Chief Executive Noelle Cridland said the opening of the new Medical Imaging Department came at the most exciting time in Logan Hospital's 33-year history with the remainder of the Stage 1 Expansion opening in 2024.
"Our clinicians and support staff have been involved in this project since the early planning stages and they’re so excited to see the major expansion starting to come to life," Ms Cridland said.
"A lot of work goes in to opening these facilities – everything from buying and installing furniture and fittings, staff training, testing of workflows and emergency responses, and of course planning for the admission of the first patients.
"I’d like to thank Logan Hospital staff for ensuring a smooth and safe opening of our new Medical Imaging Department."
The Queensland Government’s record investment in Logan Hospital includes:
- $460 million for the Stage 1 Expansion Project delivering 206 beds and treatment spaces – several areas already open and the remainder under construction
- $530 million for the Stage 2 Expansion Project delivering 112 beds and more operating theatres – currently in design
- $18.8 million for the refurbishment of the hospital’s Maternity Service – inpatient ward and birthing suites open and the remainder under construction
- $20 million for a new 28-bed modular ward – open
- $61.92 million for a new multi-level car park – opened in early 2022
- $9 million for the hospital’s first 28-bed modular ward – opened in early 2020.