New machine enables safer X-rays

UNIVERSITY Hospital Geelong recently installed an advanced piece of technology allowing them to conduct X-rays more safely and effectively.

The Hospital’s Siemens ARTIS icono cardiovascular system is situated in the hospital’s Barwon Health Cardiac Catherisation Laboratory.

It is one of only two such systems worldwide.

Barwon Health cardiology director Chin Hiew said the machine had greatly aided with safe patient diagnosis.

“Having had a few weeks of experience with this machine, the image quality is spectacular without compromising the amount of radiation exposure.

“The radiation level is actually reduced by up to 70 per cent, making it safer for patients and the staff operating the machine.”

He said the machine has also helped improve efficiency.

“It’s also quicker, less noisy and it has additional features that eliminate the need for peripheral machines in the same lab.”

Siemens ARTIS provided the hospital with the machine before it was released to customers worldwide.

University Hospital Geelong will now act as a reference site for other hospitals in Australia considering installing one of the machines.