Need For New X-ray Equipment For Hospital Is Urged

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1947, Page 3

Need For New X-ray Equipment For Hospital Is Urged

The need for new ’ X-ray equipment at the Grey Hospital was emphasised by Dr Rolleston, of the Christchurch Hospital, in a special, report presented to the Grey Hospital Board at its meeting last evening. The board had previously applied for provision to be made for the purchase of new equipment, and it- was decided to forward the report to the Health Department in support of. the application. The new machine will cost in the vicinity of £3500.

Referring to the staffing position, Dr Rolleston reported that since 1940 the X-ray department had dealt with an average of 2436* cases each year, and, on the basis of these figures, the appointment of a full-time radiologist was not justified. He considered, however, that there was real need for a part-time radiologist to giy'e service to the three main hospitals on the West Coast.

“Entirely Unsatisfactory” “The present lay-out of the X-ray department is entirely unsatisfactory and when new X-ray equipment is installed the present bulky transformers could be removed, continued the report. The new transformer which would be smaller and more compact, will occupy little space, and there will be adequate space for the radiographic room. A drying cabinet for wet films is urgently needed and the viewing and records room is not satisfactory. As yet there is no patients’ waiting room and it is strongly recommended that such a room be incorporated in the X-ray department. The ventilation in the dark room was bad. He added that as there was a long-term plan to rebuild the hospital, any alterations must be temporary. ! 4

Dr Rolleston advocated the immediate purchase of a complete installation of the following specifications:— a 500 milliampere generator; modern control table; a rotating anode overcouch tube; double focus stationary anode undercouch tube; an American type X-ray couch with high speed low absorption “bucky” and spot film device. This type of equipment would be sufficient to fulfil requirements for the next 10 to 15 years, and would be capable of carrying out all the examinations now carried out in everyday radiological work.

Alternative Suggestion

The alternative suggestion was to make provision for the retention of the present Westinghouse X-ray taible and to improvise; but this was rarely satisfactory, and trouble would always be occurring and running up expense. The great advantage of a modern machine would have to be sacrificed for an inferior machine. After the medical superintendent, Dr S. D. Barclay, had given his views on the report, during a discussion in committee, the board had decided to continue its efforts to obtain, new equipment, and to forward the report to" the department.