Logan Hospital’s latest upgrades includes a new medical imaging department that uses artificial intelligence to more efficiently and accurately diagnose patients.
Recently completed upgrades also include a new $20 million, 28-bed modular ward for subacute patients to free beds for patients who need them most.
The imaging department features x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites, as well as new patient and staff facilities.
Both the new MRI and CT scanners are equipped with an AI program that tracks the movements of patients to help produce clearer and more complete images and achieve “faster and more accurate diagnosis”.
A screen and speakers have also been installed in the MRI suite, aiming to distract and entertain patients while they are scanned, plus a ‘Kitten Scanner’ to prepare and educate children for an upcoming MRI or CT scan in a “playful way”.
Metro South Health chief executive Noelle Cridland said the upgrade was the “most exciting time in Logan Hospital’s 33-year history”.
“Our clinicians and support staff have been involved in this project since the early planning stages and they’re so excited to see the major expansion starting to come to life,” Ms Cridland said.
“A lot of work goes in to opening these facilities – everything from buying and installing furniture and fittings, staff training, testing of workflows and emergency responses, and of course planning for the admission of the first patients.
“I’d like to thank Logan Hospital staff for ensuring a smooth and safe opening of both Ward 2Q and our new Medical Imaging Department.”
The ward contains single and shared rooms, an outdoor courtyard and a second level with space for hospital administrative support staff.
Construction was around six months and provided jobs to 95 locals.
The ward was built in Ormeau and then craned into the hospital site.
Local Waterford member and the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Shannon Fentiman said the ward would go a “long way towards supporting healthcare needs” in the Logan community.
“Our new modular Ward 2Q, is designed to provide care and rehabilitation in a comfortable and modern environment, while helping the most vulnerable patients transition safely back into the community,” Ms Fentiman said.
“And it will have the added benefit of freeing up acute beds for people with more urgent medical conditions, easing pressure on the hospital’s emergency department.
“The new Medical Imaging Department delivers a major boost to the hospital’s diagnostic imaging capacity, meaning patients will get the scans they need sooner.
“And it means the supporting infrastructure is available to service the three new floors opening in early 2024 – which includes five new inpatient units, a new Intensive Care Unit, a new Coronary Care Unit, plus a range of other supporting services.”
