On the Up: Mobile X-ray service brings on-site scans to homes and workplaces in the Far North

An Ōkaihau resident is bringing X-rays straight to workplaces, homes and retirement villages through a first-of-its-kind service in the Far North.

Thelani Cronje, a radiographer, is taking X-ray services on the road, offering mobile imaging to patients who can’t easily get to clinics.

She launched the service in September last year and travels to patients’ homes, retirement villages, medical facilities and workplaces to carry out on-site X-rays.

She said the idea came after she and her husband began looking at ways she could do something different while still using her radiography skills.

After researching the idea, she connected with an Auckland-based portable X-ray company and now operates under its umbrella, using its equipment and established medical connections, including ACC, doctors and radiologists.

The service works through referrals from doctors and physiotherapists, but patients can also request to be referred.

She said her goal was to make X-rays more accessible for people with mobility issues, busy schedules or those who had travel limitations.

“It’s for the community, for people who are too busy or have mobility issues. I can come to you and do the X-ray while you are still at home or at work.”

So far most of her work has been in Kerikeri, particularly retirement villages, where she said the service makes a big difference for elderly patients.

“Taking elderly patients out of their environment can be very stressful for them. If I can do the X-ray where they live, they can just go back to what they were doing and stay in their comfort zone.”

She said the portable machine is compact but still produces high-quality images, and safety precautions, including lead aprons and careful positions, are always used to minimise radiation exposure.

Cronje said she hopes to soon expand the service to other parts of the district and is currently in discussions to potentially provide services at Ngawha Prison in the future.

“The response has been amazing. Patients are relieved they don’t have to travel and the doctors and physios have been very supportive. It’s just a service that really helps people who need it.”

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania recently met with Cronje and praised the “first-of-its-kind” service in Te Hiku and Te Tai Tokerau.

“The service is perfect for our kuia and kaumatua, disabled whānau and busy working people who struggle to get appointments.”

The service is one of the most affordable X-ray options at $40, with the ACC rebate.

“With some of the poorest health outcomes in the country, it’s exciting to see our people thinking outside the box to help others.”

Cronje said she hopes to eventually expand and support more people across the Far North and beyond.