Mar 15, 2020
Philips powers next-generation patient care at Nepean Hospital
Nepean Hospital launches new Philips MRI machines to boost imaging capabilities, improve patient diagnosis and experience, first APAC site to do so
Matt Moran, Philips Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, was in attendance when Nepean Hospital, one of the busiest in NSW, officially launched its recently-installed Ingenia Ambition 1.5T and Ingenia Elition 3T MRI machines. The next-generation MRI medical imaging technology delivers a more powerful diagnostic tool for the Hospital’s clinicians, a better experience for patients, and also significantly increases the Hospital’s capacity to scan both admitted inpatients and outpatients. The launch event also welcomed The Honourable Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Health and NSW Minister for Medical Research. Nepean Hospital is the first site in Asia Pacific with both machines, as part of its A$6.5 million project to expand medical imaging services. “We are delivering meaningful innovation to help address the challenges that healthcare systems are facing now and in the future,” said Matt Moran, Philips Managing Director Australia & New Zealand. “The Philips advanced Ingenia MRI portfolio is breaking diagnostic boundaries, leading in speed, comfort and confidence, and transforming radiology departments – ultimately improving patient and staff experiences,” he added. General Manager for Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Rob Arian, says most patients undergoing scans in the new machines will spend less time in them because the new technology scans 50 percent faster1 compared to the previous generation, but without comprising image quality. “Clinicians will see clearer images with up to 60 percent higher resolution compared to the previous generation of machines,” says Mr Arian. Sophisticated contactless patient monitoring removes the need to attach sensors and wires to patients to track their vital signs during a scan. Fast positioning technology makes it easier and faster for technicians to align patients in the machines. “We know even a short period of time inside the MRI machine can be quite stressful for many of our patients, so we’re very pleased Philips have built a much quieter machine,” says Mr Arian. The new machines are much lighter than previous models, making finding a suitable location in the Hospital and installation easier. They also require less than half the amount of helium – a finite and expensive gas – to cool their magnets. The state-of-the-art MRI machines will also be used by Nepean Hospital researchers and their colleagues to conduct clinical trials. Footnote: 1 https://www.philips.com.au/healthcare/resources/landing/the-next-mr-wave/ingenia-elition
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2018 sales of EUR 18.1 billion and employs approximately 80,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.
