Melbourne, 1 December 2008
More South Australian patients will now have access to ground-breaking CT scanning technology that provides faster and more accurate diagnosis for a range of diseases including cancer and heart disease.
Adelaide-based Radiology SA will today (December 1) become the first private practice in South Australia to house the $1.5 million Siemens 128-slice CT scanner.
The high-tech scanner will be unveiled this evening (from 6pm) by South Australian Health Minister, The Hon. John Hill MP, at Radiology SA’s rooms in the Calvary North Adelaide Hospital.
Dr Susie Saloniklis, Managing Partner of Radiology SA, said the scanner represents a “new generation” of healthcare services in South Australia.
“Radiology SA is committed to providing the best possible healthcare for South Australians and the new Siemens scanner represents a significant investment in ensuring our patients and practitioners have access to the best equipment in the world,” Dr Saloniklis said.
“This is an exciting development not just for Radiology SA, but for the medical profession in South Australia and for patients across the State.”
Key features of the scanner include:
- Provides doctors with more accurate results, particularly for oncology and cardiac patients
- Potential radiation dose reductions
- Identifies objects as small as 0.24mm in size
- Offers faster scan times of around 10-20 seconds per complete study, resulting in scans being performed 30-50% faster than traditional scanners.
“This ground-breaking CT system will provide our patients with access to technology not otherwise available in private practice in South Australia,” Dr Saloniklis said.
“This scanner can potentially reduce radiation doses and has the ability to turn the most complex procedures into everyday routine activities though the rapid automation of imaging for oncology, cardiovascular disease and body examinations. For example, by obtaining detailed images of the heart, coronary artery disease can be detected without the need for a coronary angiogram, which can require hospital admission.
“This enables us to deliver the highest quality healthcare at a lower cost to the community.”
Siemens Healthcare Vice President, Mr Richard Guest, said the scanner’s 78cm gantry bore and low radiation dosage makes it among the world’s safest and most comfortable scanners.
“Because of its size, it is also considered to be one of the most comfortable scanners and is suitable for obese, mobility impaired or claustrophobic patients,” Mr Guest said.
“It is not only the end-users that will benefit from this machine, but local cardio-vascular and oncology practitioners, as well as other healthcare referrers, who will now have access to a world-class diagnostic performance.”
Radiology SA is a wholly South Australian and doctor-owned medical imaging practice using state-of-the art equipment and technology to provide radiology service to patients and referring doctors. It comprises of more than 25 radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians.
Siemens is a diversified technology-based solutions provider specialising in the areas of healthcare, energy, water, mobility, productivity, safety, security and the environment. Siemens in Australia and New Zealand is part of the Siemens global network of innovation which operates in 190 countries.
For further information:
Dr Susie Saloniklis
Managing Partner
Radiology SA
Ph: 8402 0200
Alternatively, please contact Ben Hooper at Corporate Conversation on 08-8363 1158.