CT scanner makes life easier at Narrabri

23 April 2010

Next Tuesday (April 27) marks one year since Narrabri Hospital welcomed the installation of its very own CT scanner.

Having a CT scanner on-site has made a difference to hundreds of locals, with the majority of patients no longer needing to travel to Tamworth or Moree for CT examinations.  

It also minimises the amount of time that patients need to wait for diagnosis and treatment, as this can be done on-site immediately.

Since its launch, 938 patients have used the CT scanner.

Hunter New England Imaging’s Chief Radiographer at Narrabri, Jenna Bailey, said the CT scanner has received an enthusiastic response from medical professionals and patients alike during the past year.

“The support from local GPs and hospital staff has been fantastic and the number of patients we are seeing is continually increasing,” Ms Bailey said.

“The response from patients has been great as well. Patients appreciate having a service on their doorstep that they used to have to drive to Tamworth for, which is almost a 400km return trip. A lot of patients comment on the convenience of not having to drive to Tamworth.”

Having a CT scanner at Narrabri Hospital not only helps reduce patient travel time and diagnoses, it also streamlines acute patient care.

One example of this is the tragic car accident which occurred near Narrabri in August last year, after which Narrabri Hospital admitted six patients for emergency care.

“We were able to scan the patients on-site, then use the electronic Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) to have the scans reviewed immediately by specialists at Tamworth Hospital,” Jenna explained.

“Based on the type and severity of their injuries, patients were then transferred to a variety of larger regional hospitals without delay.”

Also improving the level of service now offered at Narrabri Hospital’s radiology is the appointment of a second radiographer, Belinda Mammen.

Belinda assists with CT scans and the x-ray service at Narrabri, as well as provides relief to other HNE Health sites throughout region.

(HNE-2236)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 0428 106 183