Eurobodalla Residents to Benefit from First Public CT Scanner South coast residents will soon have direct access for the first time to Computed Tomography (CT) scanning through the Eurobodalla Health Service. The allocation of funding has been announced by Southern NSW Local Health District to purchase and install the new CT equipment at Moruya Hospital. Part of the $2.3 million in funding will also be used for improvements to the hospital’s X-ray facilities and to upgrade digital imaging technology throughout the Southern NSW Local Health District. The upgrades will provide the functionality to perform CT colonoscopy and other advanced CT functions at all health sites with the support of radiologists. The General Manager of the Eurobodalla Health Service, Lisa Kennedy said that current access to a CT scanner for Eurobodalla patients was limited, time consuming and costly, particularly after hours, requiring transport off-site to consulting radiologists. “This impacts heavily on nursing and medical hours with the need to escort patients off-site and also affects patient transport and NSW Ambulance services,” said Ms Kennedy. “In addition, the clinical benefits of a CT scanner on-site for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients are well documented. There are also flow on benefits in reduced acute and rehabilitation patient length of stays resulting from early diagnosis and treatment.” Ms Kennedy said the Eurobodalla residents would be able to have CT scans as part of normal hospital treatment without the inconvenience of travelling elsewhere. “Also, it will improve community access to CT services with the Eurobodalla being able to offer a bulk-billed routine outpatient service. This will then provide comprehensive public diagnostic imaging within Eurobodalla Health Service.” Ms Kennedy said the CT scanner would be located close to the Moruya Hospital’s Emergency Department in a purpose built area with refurbished reception area and patient waiting rooms. Planning has already started on the project which is expected to be completed by the end of June next year. “Having an on-site scanner will improve quality and safety of health services in the Eurobodalla through improving timely access to CT, enhanced diagnostic capacity and earlier diagnosis and treatment,” said Ms Kennedy. Media Release
