Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) has recently taken ownership of two new state-of-the-art X-ray machines, making the hospital the first in Australia to use them.
Following installation two weeks ago, Health Minister Roger Cook visited the PCH Medical Imaging Department today to see the new equipment in action.
PCH radiographers have welcomed the two Philips DigitalDiagnost C90 X-ray machines, worth $380,000 each, identifying improvements to patient care, radiation exposure and workflow as the key benefits.
By utilising advanced algorithms, the X-ray machines apply gridless technology that improves the image quality by reducing scatter radiation. In addition to improved image quality, the patient radiation dose is reduced by between 30 and 50 per cent.
The machines offer many improvements for patients and families. The new touch screen at the bedside allows the technologist to complete most of the work in direct contact with the patient and family, instead of behind a separate screen as previously required.
The live in-built camera helps with patient positioning and X-ray accuracy. Having the technologist close by for the majority of the process is not only reassuring for patients and families, but also reduces the time taken between X-rays and leads to improved image quality and accuracy.
The anticipated reduction in X-ray timeframes is another benefit, which should improve the overall ability of the department to move through patients in a more timely manner.
In the past year, 36,136 X-rays were performed at Perth Children’s Hospital.
The X-ray service at PCH is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Medical Imaging Department provides tertiary-level diagnostic and interventional imaging to support emergency, inpatient and outpatient services at the hospital.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“These new X-ray machines not only reduce exposure to radiation and provide better quality images, they make the experience more pleasant for the sick children who need to have an X-ray.
“The new X-ray machines align with the McGowan Government commitment to put patients first. They are also another example of Perth Children’s Hospital leading the way in world-leading health care for the children of Western Australia.”
