Ninewells Hospital launches state-of-the-art Radiology and Imaging Unit

Ninewells, Sri Lanka’s leading woman and child care hospital, launched its new and fully-fledged Radiology and Imaging department at the hospital premises, recently. The unit is geared with a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostic radiology equipment including X-ray, Ultrasound scan, CT scan and MRI machines; to provide top-notch, accurate and patient-centred services.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Ninewells Hospital Medical Director Dr. Vibash Wijeratne said, “We are happy to open the doors of our state-of-the art Radiology and Imaging services to the public. The facility is designed and equipped to meet all diagnostic imaging needs of our patients in a safe and friendly environment. Our expert radiologists will be working around the clock together with our highly trained radiographers and nursing staff to provide high quality care to our patients using the latest advances available in the field.”

Explaining about the machinery, Ninewells Hospitals Head of Radiology M.G.G. Amarasinghe said, “The Radiology and Imaging department of Ninewells is equipped with a Toshiba Aplio800 Ultrasound scanner, which is the only one of its kind available in the county. What’s special about this device is that its technology increases clinical accuracy and its microvascular imaging expands the range of visible blood flow. It allows the best quality liver elastography studies in the country.”

In addition to this, Amarasinghe explained that the department is also equipped with a GE Optima CT660 machine which is a 128 slice CT scanner delivering high-resolution images and optimized dose levels. The scanner is equipped with latest dose reduction method ASiR which can potentially reduce the radiation dose ranging from 50 to 80% depending on type of examination. The system can do whole heart scan in five seconds and whole body in about 15 seconds with sub-mm accuracy. The scanner is designed to provide comfort for both young and old patients and has facilities for cerebral, abdominal, peripheral angiography and coronary calcium scanning. The system provides a comfortable environment along with fast imaging to reduce scanning time.

Further, the department’s XR656 X-ray machine is a digital radiography system, which has a higher resolution to further aid diagnosis. The system has tracking and stretching facilities which enables it to provide accurate information on spine and leg length. As a special procedure the machine can carry out Intravenous pyelography to visualise abnormalities in the urinary system.  

The Radiology and Imaging Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital premises and will be open to inpatients, outpatients and emergency patients 24 hours a day.