New CT Scanners at Launceston General Hospital to improve patient outcomes hailed as a game-changer

New state-of-the-art advanced technology introduced at a Tasmanian hospital could lead to quicker diagnoses and more efficient treatment for patients, say health bosses.

Liberal Member for Bass Rob Fair, Health Minister Guy Barnett, Hospitals North chief executive Fiona Lieutier and LGH chief radiographer Matt Limbrick with one of the new CT Scanning facilities now in place at the Launceston General Hospital. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

State-of-the-art advanced technology introduced at the Launceston General Hospital could lead to quicker diagnoses and more efficient treatment for patients, say health bosses.

The first of two new CT scanners has been hailed as “a step forward in advancing patient care and diagnostic capabilities”, with a second hi-tech machine expected to be operational in October.

LGH Emergency Department director Dr Lucy Reed with one of the new CT Scanning facilities now in place at the Launceston General Hospital. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

LGH Emergency Department director Dr Lucy Reed said the scanners, designed by Siemens Healthineers, mark a substantial upgrade to the hospital’s diagnostic facilities.

“We’re delighted to have this new CT scanner, and from my perspective, for our ED patients, it’s going to make a big difference,” Dr Reed said.

“This is a huge relief. The flow of the critically ill patients from our reset stream is just straight down the corridor into the scanner, and this will mean delays will be minimised.”

Hospitals North chief executive Fiona Lieutier with one of the new CT Scanning facilities now in place at the Launceston General Hospital. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Hospitals North chief executive Fiona Lieutier said the two new scanners will enable Tasmanians in the North to receive lifesaving diagnoses more quickly and accurately.

“We look forward to the second CT scanner coming online in October, and that will really increase our capability here at the Launceston General Hospital, particularly for our emergency department,” Ms Lieutier said.

“It means that we can improve efficiency in terms of the number of patients that can undergo CT scanning. But it also means that we have a contingency if we have a problem with one of the CT scanners, we have a second scanning capability that we haven’t had previously.”

Health Minister Guy Barnett with one of the new CT Scanning facilities now in place at the Launceston General Hospital. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Health Minister Guy Barnett said the $2.6m project was part of the government’s long-term vision to transform facilities within the hospital as part of the LGH Masterplan.

“This is a big win for patients in Northern Tasmania and is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver the health infrastructure our State needs for the future,” Mr Barnett said.

“CT scans are incredibly important to modern healthcare – allowing for timely diagnosis for patients undergoing cancer treatment, suffering from heart disease, or even just identifying a fracture.

“The convenient location and state-of-the-art nature of the machine – which is the fastest on the market – will mean reduced time to diagnosis, reduced scan times, and improved image quality – all leading to better patient outcomes.”

Originally published as New CT Scanners at Launceston General Hospital to improve patient outcomes hailed as a game-changer