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New x-ray machines for Waitakere Hospital

Published: Tue 4 Nov 2003 06:00 PM
New x-ray machines for Waitakere Hospital
West Aucklanders now have access to improved radiology services with the commissioning of two new general x-ray machines as part of the opening of a new radiology facility at Waitakere Hospital.
The new machines replace two ageing x-ray machines, one of which is 30 years old.
Radiology co-ordinator Dawn Pollard says the new machines will produce clearer images making it easier to diagnose ailments.
“The most common x-rays we do are chest x-rays, mainly for patients who have been referred to us by GPs and the hospital wards. Chest conditions, such as pneumonia, asthma and cancer can make people sick very quickly, so it is important they have quick access to high quality diagnostic services.
“One of the machines will also have tomography capability, meaning it can take clearer images of internal organs such as kidneys.”
The new x-ray machines are the first in a series of radiology improvements at Waitakere Hospital.
The new purpose-built radiology facility, located in the new hospital wing, is more than twice the size of the old facility.
Mrs Pollard says the facility is also designed to meet the future needs of the hospital when it fully opens in November next year. MORE…
Other areas of the new facility, which will not be commissioned until next year, include a fluoroscopy screening room, two extra ultrasound rooms, a third general x-ray room and a CT scanner room.
“All these extra services will enable us to meet the needs of the hospital once acute services start up at the end of next year. By then we will be open 24-hours and able to provide a broader range of diagnostic services,” says Mrs Pollard.
Referrals to Waitakere Hospital radiology services are through your GP or hospital doctor.

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