A FULL-TIME medical imaging provider has been appointed to Warwick Hospital to reduce the need for patients to be transferred to larger hospitals for emergency X-ray and CT scans.
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) announced the new contractor, Alpenglow Australia, on 8 July, with the enhanced service expected to be in place later this year.
DDHHS director of medical imaging Aiden Cook said it was good news for the Warwick community to have local access to these modern medical services.
“Alpenglow will provide diagnostic radiology services including X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans at the hospital, including a 24-hour emergency X-ray service as required,” Mr Cook said.
“The new, expanded service will mean greater local access to high quality medical imaging for outpatients and will reduce the need for patients to be transferred to larger hospitals such as Toowoomba or Brisbane for emergency X-ray and CT scans.
“Private services to patients referred for medical imaging will also be available.
“Alpenglow clinical director Dr John Rouse said the company specialised in regional radiology services, operating in other Queensland locations including Dalby, Roma and Ayr.
“We will be installing state-of-the-art technology, including a low-dose CT scanner, that will help health clinicians work out appropriate treatment options with the benefit of having high quality diagnostic imaging locally,” Dr Rouse said.
“As part of our local service in Warwick we will also be offering a continuing education program for other health professionals.”
