Patients at Wollongong Hospital will soon have access to improved medical imaging and diagnostic services, following the completion of the new medical imaging department.
The upgrade includes a new MRI and CT scanner, delivered as part of the $21.9 million investment from the NSW Government to strengthen health services and infrastructure at the hospital.
The MRI and CT scanner have been installed into a purpose-built area, across two levels at the hospital. The new CT scanner is co-located with the Emergency Department on Level One, enabling patients with timely access to diagnostic services.
Together, they will significantly expand imaging capacity and help deliver enhanced diagnostic services for a wider range of patients, including those requiring breast imaging, biopsy services, and cardiac imaging.
In addition to the medical imaging upgrades, a relocated Medical Ambulatory Care Unit and an expanded Transit Lounge was completed last year as part of the works at Wollongong Hospital, improving patient flow and supporting outpatient care.
Health Infrastructure and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District have worked closely with staff, clinicians and stakeholders throughout planning and delivery of these new services to ensure the upgrades meet the needs of the growing community.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering long-term investments into health infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing Illawarra community. The $21.9 million investment also includes funding to support future expansion along with a further $220 million towards the planning of Wollongong Hospital and Health Precinct.
Work is progressing, with detailed early planning underway.
Commissioning and training of staff to operate the new CT scanner and MRI has commenced, with both new services anticipated to start in the next month.
Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more hospitals to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering the health infrastructure our growing Illawarra community needs, and the completion of these upgrades marks an important step in strengthening services at Wollongong Hospital.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to see the improvements to our outpatient and assessment spaces along with the installation of new MRI and CT scanners, that will support better patient care and ensure more timely access to diagnostic care close to home."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully:
"These upgrades have delivered on the Minns Labor Government's election promise and most importantly improved care for people across Wollongong and the Illawarra region.
"The new MRI, CT scanners build on recent staff increases across both the hospital and other health services to strengthen health outcomes in the Illawarra as we work towards the next major redevelopment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:
"The medical imaging upgrades are vital for our region - helping to deliver ongoing medical infrastructure and services for our growing community.
"I'm so proud of the Minns Labor government for listening and delivering, based on demand and to relieve pressure on patients and staff. Investing $220 million into the long-term planning of the Wollongong Hospital and Health Precinct will ensure we're ready for the future."
