From July 1 patients at Tomaree Community Hospital will for the first time have access to both X-ray and Computerised Tomography (CT) imaging, in addition to a full-time radiographer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack announced the arrival of the CT machine on Monday, ahead of the expansion of imaging services at the redeveloped hospital and health centre site in Nelson Bay.
"For the first time patients will be able to have a CT scan on site where they are being treated," Ms Cusack said.
"Currently, all patients need to be transferred offsite to other Hunter New England Health facilities or private service providers for their CT scan."
CT scans are used for diagnosing medical conditions such as strokes, brain bleeds, and traumatic abdominal soft tissue injuries.
Ms Cusack said the completion of the $8m HealthOne upgrade at the hospital site, known as the Tomaree Community Hospital and Health Centre, meant that there is now space for new, dedicated CT and X-ray machines in the imaging area.
"A full-time radiographer will also be employed to support this new service," she said.
"This important investment will provide acutely and chronically ill patients of the Tomaree community, and the large number of seasonal visitors, access to local, state of the art imaging technology."
Ms Cusack again paid tribute to Hunter New England Health and the frontline staff at Tomaree Community Hospital for their visionary work through these difficult times, "ensuring we come out of this pandemic stronger and with world-class health services for the people of Port Stephens".
