Wellington Hospital radiology staff, joined by Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, today celebrated the installation of a new x-ray machine which produces higher quality imaging and is quicker and easier to operate.
It’s one of eight new digital radiography machines being installed in the radiology departments at Wellington Regional and Kenepuru Community hospitals to replace older, less efficient ones. Both hospitals now have one new machine each with the next installations scheduled for this October and the whole replacement programme due to be wrapped up ahead of schedule and on budget by December 2024. It follows an earlier upgrade of x-ray machines and radiology rooms at Hutt Hospital between 2019 and 2021.
“We’re delighted to have these new machines up and running,” says Pru Burns, Acting Radiology Manager, Wellington Hospital.
“They’re a major leap forward from the current systems, some that were installed as far back as 2000 and which operate on now outdated radiography technology. One of the major benefits of the new model is that it provides better imaging which means sharper and more detailed x-rays are produced. Another advantage is that the machines can be operated more quickly and efficiently, with the images appearing instantly. The machines are motorised and can move around to more than 50 positions, assisting in efficient workflow and more patients being seen in less time. The refit and upgrade enhances the x-ray experience for both staff and patients.”
The new technology means imaging that might taken half an hour to capture and review can now be done in about a third of the time. This equates to a big saving in time when you think of how many people go through radiology – in 2023, more than 80,000 x-ray procedures were carried out across Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals in their radiology departments, in the Wellington emergency department and on mobile imaging machines in Wellington Hospital wards. For a weekly view - last week, 310 procedures were completed in Wellington Hospital’s main radiology department and 765 procedures in its emergency department.
Other benefits of the machines are that they:
- are more energy efficient – consuming 39% less energy than the old models
- have newer software including AI-assisted smart features.
Throughout the programme, the team has been working closely with radiology staff to plan and carry out work in stages to ensure services have been maintained throughout.
The programme also includes the refurbishment of radiology rooms, providing patients and staff with modern and fit-for-purpose spaces.
Photo: X-ray Replacement Project Manager Jack Wootton talks to the Minister with Area Unit Charge General Imaging Hilary Hopkinson looking on.
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