Nepean Hospital gains state-of-the-art MRI machines

Nepean Hospital has unveiled two new MRI machines that are the first of their kind in the state.

Operators Ian Reynolds and Nikki De Leon demonstrate a new next generation Ingenia Ambition 1.5T MRI machine at Nepean Hospital in Sydney, Monday, March 9, 2020. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) NO ARCHIVING

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Nepean Hospital has unveiled two brand-new MRI machines as part of a $6.5 million project to expand medical imaging services.

Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard were on hand to unveil the cutting edge Ingenia Ambition 1.5T and 3T models from Philips, the first of their kind in NSW.

Mr Hazzard said the new machines would provide a boost in both speed and clarity of scans.

“They’re capable of being 50 per cent faster, and they increase the resolution the physicians can see by about 60 per cent,” he said.

Operators Ian Reynolds and Nikki De Leon demonstrate a new next generation Ingenia Ambition 1.5T MRI machine at Nepean Hospital. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

“The higher resolution means a more accurate determination of further surgery or treatment.

“This equipment empowers physicians and surgeons to give much better treatment.

“That makes a real difference because it means people who live in the local area don’t have to travel all the way to somewhere like the Royal Prince Alfred for their scans.”

Mr Ayres said it was an “exciting day” for the hospital.

“We’re making sure people who live in western Sydney can access world-class healthcare,” he said.

“These new machines mean they won’t have to travel to hospitals in the east to access this first-class equipment.”

MRI operator Ian Reynolds, patient Sarah Young, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, and Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres inspect a new Ingenia Elition 3.0T MRI machine at Nepean Hospital. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett

Philips managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Matt Moran, said the company was “thrilled” to be partnering with Nepean Hospital.

“We are delivering meaningful innovation to help to address the challenges that healthcare systems are facing now and in the future,” he said.

“These machines are breaking diagnostic boundaries, leading in speed, comfort, and confidence, and transforming radiology departments – ultimately improving patient and staff experiences.”

Operators Nikki De Leon and Ian Reynolds demonstrate a new next generation Ingenia Ambition 1.5T MRI machine at Nepean Hospital. Picture: AAP/Joel Carrett.

The new machines are much lighter than previous models, and also require less than half the amount of helium to cool their magnets.

They will also be used by researchers and their colleagues to conduct clinical trials.