Community celebrates launch of new state-of-the-art MRI at Gisborne Hospital

Hauora Tairawhiti MRI team leader Helena Campbell (left) and radiology manager Debbie Cordiner (right) assist mayor Rehette Stoltz to cut the ribbon to formally open the hospital's state-of-the-art $2.8M MRI. Photo / Wynsley Wrigley

A new $2.8 million MRI machine at Gisborne Hospital will allow hundreds of patients in Tairāwhiti to more quickly access state-of-the-art imagery and non-invasive diagnostics close to home.

Hauora Tairāwhiti staff and management officially opened and blessed the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine on Monday, describing it as “a major milestone”.

Hauora Tairāwhiti cultural adviser Matua Owen Lloyd said the hospital might be a small one, but it was big on quality, which was a tribute to staff.

The Siemens MRI, which is already in use, offers higher-quality image processing and can scan faster than its 10-year-old predecessor, meaning more patients can be seen.

The machine can also process cardiac and prostate scans resulting in fewer people needing to travel to another hospital.

Last year, 1559 MRI scans were carried out at Gisborne Hospital.

Radiology manager Debbie Cordiner said the new MRI would provide an enhanced patient experience with a video and audio system.

“Patients will experience entertainment while having their scans which will support their comfort, and for some patients, help them with anxiety.

Siemens had provided an impressive machine “that we are proud to own”, Cordiner said.

“The MRI team and radiology team were thrilled to be able to provide our patients and the community with state-of-the-art images.

“They will enjoy the new machine and the opportunities it offers.”

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti group director of operations John Swiatczak said the new MRI showed that “really good things were happening in the district”.

The MRI was a “real good bit of kit... we want to get the best for our patients.”

The MRI provided a “real step” in care and diagnostics, Swiatczak said.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz was among those who attended the blessing.

The mayor said she had received “glowing feedback” from Gisborne Hospital patients.

The MRI allowed patients to be treated close to home, rather than feeling like a stranger in another city.

“We are all part of one big whānau here in Tairāwhiti,” Stoltz said.

The old MRI machine was craned out of the radiology department on August 25 and had been sold.

The new MRI was craned in on September 21.

MRI services will be maintained in the interim at Matai Medical Research Institute.

MRI is a non-invasive way for medical professionals to examine organs, tissues and the skeletal system.

It produces high-resolution images of the inside of the body to help diagnose a variety of conditions.