$7 million contract signed for new radiology and cardiology equipment at Wellington Hospital
Capital & Coast District Health Board has today announced a $7.35m deal with Philips Healthcare – one of the largest diagnostic equipment purchases in New Zealand medical history.
The radiology and cardiology equipment, which is destined for use in the new Wellington Regional Hospital, will be in place before the end of this year - in time for the opening of the new hospital.
C&C DHB Chief Executive, Dr Derek Milne, says the contract was decided by a tendering process, and input from clinical and technical staff via an Advisory Group played an essential role in deciding what equipment to purchase.
“In most cases this new equipment will play an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary role – replacing old equipment which is past its best-by date,” Dr Milne says.
“But some of this equipment will help us to change the way things are done, such as a new digital X-ray system which will enable X-ray images to go straight into our digital image database – eliminating an intermediary processing step which is currently required for computed radiography X-rays.
“A lot of the other new equipment will prove its value by being more reliable than ageing predecessor equipment, and will have increased functionality alongside more cutting-edge software,” Dr Milne says.
The equipment will be based in the new hospital’s radiology and diagnostic imaging/interventional department. Highlights include:
- A new state-of-the-art MRI scanner. This will greatly enhance the current service by providing more reliable service and enabling faster scan times (which will improve patient satisfaction).
- Three new Cardiac Catheter labs with the latest flat plate detector technology.
- The general X-ray department will be getting a new conventional X-ray system, as well as relocated systems from the old hospital.
- The new digital X-ray system will enhance the service by providing a faster turn-around time with digital technology, X-ray images will be available within three seconds, compared with several minutes currently.
- The Fluoroscopy system will deliver high versatility, with the added benefit of flat-plate technology which will aid with patient comfort.
- In Ultrasound, three new Ultrasound systems with enhanced ergonomics.
- In Nuclear Medicine, Philips is supplying a new gamma camera which provides future-proofing. A current gamma camera is also being relocated from the old hospital.
- Philips will also be relocating and upgrading the existing Angiography system, providing a new dimension to interventional X-ray imaging for the hospital.
- Philips Healthcare will also be supplying a long term service support commitment for the new hospital’s state of the art equipment, ensuring a consistent and high quality standard of diagnostic imaging to the hospital.
Paul Couper, General Manager of Philips Healthcare New Zealand, says his company is delighted to partner with C&C DHB for the installation of Wellington hospital’s new radiology and diagnostic imaging/interventional department.
“Investment in advanced systems such as the Achieva 1.5T MRI, Allura FD10 Cath labs, Philips iU22 Intelligent Ultrasound systems, and the BrightView SPECT demonstrates the C&C DHB’s commitment to their patients and staff,” Mr Couper says.
“The ease of use and versatility of the equipment offers care providers the freedom to work the way they wish, perform the exams they need, and obtain optimal results in all applications: efficiently and quickly. Philips hopes to continue growing its relationship with the C&C DHB as an organisation that shares our passion and commitment to simplifying healthcare and improving people’s lives,” Mr Couper added.
