28 April 2011
The state of the art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) is again fully operational, following a huge effort to source replacement parts and repair damage caused when it was accidentally damaged last month.
"I am pleased to report that patients are again receiving MRI scans at Royal Darwin Hospital," RDH Director of Medical Services, Dr Sara Watson said.
"Patients awaiting MRIs have been informed that the machine is back up and running, and appointments have been scheduled.
"We have around three weeks worth of scans to catch up on, and in order to reduce wait times, the equipment's hours of operation have been extended."
The MRI machine, owned by NT Medical Imaging, suffered accidental water damage during routine maintenance on 1 March 2011.
"I applaud NT Medical Imaging for cutting months off the potential wait time, by rapidly sourcing the custom-built parts, including a giant magnet, from international suppliers in just a few weeks," Dr Watson said.
"Thanks to the efforts of the team installing them, the parts, were fitted in just over a week, compared to the usual time of three weeks.
"During the machine's downtime, alternative diagnostic tests were available in Darwin, and patients requiring urgent MRI scans were referred interstate.
"The cooperation of patients and the general community while the MRI machine was out of commission was greatly appreciated, and I extend my gratitude on behalf of Royal Darwin Hospital for their understanding while we get back to full steam."
Media Contact: Bridget Wild - 89 228 833/0419 818 414
