Taupō CT Scanner opens

22/06/2022

Eighty patients have already been saved a trip to Rotorua with the opening of Taupō Hospital’s new CT scanner.

The $1.4 million machine was officially opened yesterday but 80 patients have already used the diagnostic machine since it was opened to patients on Monday 13 June.

The ribbon was cut by Taupō Mayor David Trewavas in front of staff and invited guests from the Taupō community.

“This is wonderful for our community,” Mr Trewavas said.
“We’ve become quite a large provincial area of New Zealand. This is an added bonus to our district.”

Chief executive Nick Saville-Wood said the opening was a “major event” for Lakes DHB and credited retired Taupō doctor Paul Malpass, who was present for the opening, for his commitment to securing the CT scanner.

“He was the original champion, with a few others, who would get in my ear about a CT scanner for Taupō. We heard you.

“When we were redeveloping the whole site we made sure there was a space there for when the machine was coming.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate this opening. Many would say it’s about time and we agree.

“We’re very proud of Taupō; it’s the jewel in the crown and has always been fundamental to the operations of the whole district.”

The radiology department at Taupō Hospital has increased significantly this year with the recruitment of two CT Medical Imaging Technologists, a registered nurse, sonographer and radiology administrator joining the team.

The CT scanner is operational Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm with support from Rotorua CT MITs.

The scanner is capable of performing a full range of CT examinations including oncology, muscular skeletal, CT angiography and virtual colonography imaging for inpatient, outpatient, emergency department and community referred patients.