11 March 2011
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine owned and operated by Northern Territory Medical Imaging (NTMI) at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH), has been accidentally damaged by water leakage.
NTMI has implemented their contingency plan to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to provide alternative imaging services whilst the equipment is being replaced.
NTMI is working in conjunction with clinicians and Management at RDH to minimise the impact on clinical care, and ensure that patients who had been scheduled to undergo an MRI procedure are kept informed about their ongoing care.
"During the MRI's downtime - expected to be around 6 weeks - alternative diagnostic services are available in Darwin. These include computerised tomography (CT) and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)," Dr. Sara Watson, RDH Director of Medical Services, said.
"However I want to assure patients that if they have been assessed by their Specialist as specifically requiring an urgent MRI, they will be referred interstate to undergo this procedure, and provided with the usual entitlements through the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme."
"No patients will be left without access to appropriate diagnostic services." Dr. Watson said.
Media contact: DoH Media Director, Robin Osborne, (08) 8999 2886; 0488 692 781
