MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 23 August 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$520,000 investment in BRHS imaging Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) this month began the replacement of two radiography machines in its Medical Imaging Department. With a combined cost of $520,000, the new machines will take an estimated 60 x-rays per day, almost half of all diagnostic imaging examinations performed at the hospital. The first of the two machines is already operational with the second due to be completed by September 23. The machines will be used to do both x-ray and fluoroscopic screening, a process which enables radiologists to visualise x-ray images in real time on a television monitor. This technology will benefit stroke and cancer patients as well as specialised imaging that allow speech pathologists to DVD record swallowing images. BRHS Chief Radiographer Melanie Rice explains the new machines are an exciting addition to the hospital. They allow greater comfort, support and stability for patients, less occupational hazards for staff and most importantly, will give us better quality imaging with a smaller radiation dose. The project was made possible by state government funding of $378,000 and hospital investment of $142,000. BRHS Chief Executive Officer Wayne Sullivan said Bairnsdale Regional Health Service is committed to continually upgrading and improving its equipment, facilities and services. 2011 has seen a lot of improvements for the hospital including refurbishment works in four wards, the opening of the new Oncology and Dialysis Unit and the ongoing investment in new equipment like these machines. Ends. Contact: Michelle Carroll (03) 5150 3605 Fundraising and Community Engagement

BRHS Chief Radiographer Melanie Rice with the new x-ray machine.