BY KERRI-ANNE
FAMILIES in Melbourne’s western suburbs now have greater access to state-of-the-art medical imaging services with the addition of a $4.5 million MRI machine at Sunshine Hospital.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike today had a first-hand look at the new 3-Tesla MRI machine, which will be used to detect a range of illnesses and diseases such as tumours, spinal, joint and soft tissue injury, and injuries to internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.
“The Bracks Government is committed to the provision of a top-quality health care system, and is making sure our hospitals continue to meet the needs of our growing community,” Ms Pike said.
“The new MRI machine at Sunshine Hospital will provide families in Melbourne’s west with the latest technology and treatment in their own community.”
Ms Pike said the new service will be available to patients from next week and is part of the Bracks Government’s commitment to expand and improve the hospital.
“In the recent state budget we committed $20 million for the first step in creating a new, multi-storey East Wing, housing 128 new and upgraded beds at Sunshine Hospital, and to upgrade the central sterile supply department and maternity ward,” she said.
“Sunshine Hospital is the largest hospital in Melbourne’s west and we are providing additional capacity to meet the needs of families in this rapidly growing area.”
Ms Pike said the new MRI machine would complement services already provided at Western Hospital.
“MRI is a non-invasive procedure that produces a two dimensional view of an internal organ or structure. MRI uses a powerful magnet and transmits radio waves through the body to provide information about the hydrogen atoms in different tissues within the body,” Ms Pike said.
“The procedure is utilised for determining the difference between normal and diseased tissue and is especially useful for imaging the brain, spine, the soft tissue of joints, and inside of bones.”
Ms Pike said Western Health had seen its bottom-line budget funding increase by more than 106 per cent since the Bracks Government came into office.
Western Health has been allocated bottom-line budget funding of $314.806 million – up by $17.809 million, or 6 per cent, on what it was given last year.
Ms Pike said this year’s funding was a massive $162.412 million more than it was given in 1999-2000.
