New state-of-the-art CT scanning facilities at the LGH

New state-of-the-art CT scanning facilities are now in use at the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department, enabling Tasmanians in the North to receive life-saving diagnoses more quickly and more accurately.

Importantly, this is the first of two new CT Scanners for the LGH, with a second high-tech machine expected to be operational in October, replacing the hospital’s single existing scanner.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the $2.6 million project was part of the Tasmanian Government’s long-term vision to transform facilities within the hospital’s ED, Acute Care Zone and across the wider LGH precinct through the LGH Masterplan.

“This is a big win for patients in Northern Tasmania, and is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver the health infrastructure our State needs for the future” Minister Barnett said.

“CT scans are incredibly important to modern healthcare – allowing for timely diagnosis for patients undergoing cancer treatment, suffering from heart disease or even just identifying a fracture.

“This will improve access for patients across the hospital by allowing one scanner to primarily focus on emergency patients while the other services the rest of the hospital.

“The convenient location and state-of-the-art nature of the machine – which is the fastest on the market – will mean reduced time to diagnosis, reduced scan times, and improved image quality – all leading to better patient outcomes.

“Through the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are pulling out all the stops to build an even better health system.

“We’re achieving this at the LGH through advanced equipment like these scanners and through key infrastructure investments, like the $120 million Northern Heart Centre and our plan to nearly double the size of the ED.

“We’re also continuing to recruit, having welcomed 720 new healthcare workers through our doors in recent months, including 194 nurses, under our nation-leading recruitment blitz.”