Hamilton Radiology appointed Midland PET-CT supplier

Three Midland district health boards have appointed Hamilton Radiology as their preferred supplier of adult oncology Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning services for cancer patients. Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Lakes district health boards released a request for proposal for the provision of oncology PET scanning services in March and confirmed last week that Midland PET-CT, a new initiative of Hamilton Radiology, was the successful supplier. PET-CT technology is a vital and well-established part of cancer diagnosis and planning of treatment worldwide, said Midland Cancer Network manager Jan Smith. Hundreds of cancer patients per year will benefit from local access to this next generation diagnostic tool. By having a PET-CT, patients can avoid unnecessary surgery and benefit from more accurate treatment, she said. “This saves health dollars as well as providing better outcomes for patients.”

Jan Smith

PET-CT is a combination of two separate diagnostic imaging procedures - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) into a single diagnostic tool which allows accurate fusion of the two images.

The combined image not only highlights areas of abnormal metabolic activity such as tumours but also accurately localises them within the body.

Midland PET-CT, a new initiative of Hamilton Radiology, is the fourth private PET scanning service to open in New Zealand. Midland PET-CT’s new facility opened at the end of April and is located at the Anglesea medical and retail complex, Tristram Street, Hamilton.

Hamilton Radiology CEO Philip Hassall said his company was very proud to be involved in this exciting project.

“We’re lucky to have a great team behind us who are keen to continually push the boundaries of diagnostic imaging. The creation of ‘Midland PET-CT’ and the move into molecular imaging, represents part of a planned extension of specialist services and our continued commitment to providing access to high quality, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology. We are obviously thrilled to be working with the Midland Cancer Network and the Midland DHBs,” he said.

The transition of service to Midland PET-CT will be fully functional by 1 June.

Midland oncology patients requiring PET scans were referred to Wellington until now, so the regional availability will mean that most patients will not have lengthy trips away at a time when they may be unwell and anxious. Regional availability will make the process easier and the service more accessible for clinicians and for DHBs, it will mean less expenditure on travel and accommodation subsidies.

“The outcome of this regional RFP process demonstrates the benefits of a collaborative regional approach involving strong clinical support and administration from three participating DHBs and the Midland Cancer Network,” said Mrs Smith.

All DHB funded oncology PET scan requests must meet the nationally agreed clinical indications for PET scanning or be approved by the Midland regional PET variance committee.  Significant work has gone into streamlining the complex process to access and report PET scans within each of the Midland DHBs.

Visit the Midland District Health Boards web page for more information.


ENDS

Date: 12 May 2011

Contact:
Mary Anne Gill
Communications Director
Waikato District Health Board
021 705 213