News
Southland patients have a new diagnostic scanner — and it does more than one job.
Southland Hospital's radiology department has installed a GE Aurora SPECT-CT scanner, combining nuclear medicine and CT imaging technology in a single machine. It's already in use.
Health New Zealand general manager of surgical services and radiology Stephen Jenkins said the equipment opens up diagnostic options that weren't previously available locally. "This versatile piece of equipment produces high-quality images that support a wide range of services, from cancer and cardiac imaging through to investigations for bone conditions and infections," Jenkins said.
The scanner uses AI-assisted image reconstruction to produce clearer images and speed up clinical decision-making. Automation improvements are expected to cut delays for both patients and staff.
There's a practical backup function too. "It also strengthens the resilience of our imaging services. Its ability to operate as a backup CT scanner will help ensure continuity of care during periods of high demand or when other equipment is unavailable," Jenkins said.
The scanner is part of a $5.67 million investment in Southland Radiology over the past year — the largest upgrade the department has seen in some time. The spend has covered CT, fluoroscopy and SPECT-CT services, plus a reception area overhaul to meet accreditation standards and improve safety for patients and staff.
"These upgrades will help ensure patients can access timely, advanced diagnostic services in their own region, while enabling our healthcare teams to continue delivering excellent care," Jenkins said.
The investment is a meaningful shift for a region that has historically seen patients travel north for specialist imaging. Having a backup CT capacity built into the new machine adds genuine resilience — not just a talking point.