| 15 Bay Radiology REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Services expanding Bay Radiology boasts a team of 20 experienced sub-specialised radiologists and approximately 190 staff members in total. T T Karen Phelps For over three decades, Bay Radiology has aimed to be at the forefront of providing world-class imaging services to the community, earning its reputation as a pillar in the healthcare landscape, says Bay Radiology business development manager Deborah Bass. As the largest private radiology provider in the region, the company boasts a team of 20 experienced sub-specialised radiologists and approximately 190 staff members in total, with a geographic reach spanning from Matamata to Whakatane, including Katikati. Services include x-ray, ultrasound, pregnancy ultrasound, MRI, CT scanning, mammography, image guided injections, fluoroscopy, bone densitometry, body composition and echocardiography. “For the community, it’s important to have local access to high-quality imaging service, especially due to our close relationship with the public hospital where we assist with reducing their wait lists,” says Bay Radiology managing radiologist Dr. Kunaal Rajpal. “In the ever-changing world of radiology, it’s important to have radiologists on site and available to talk to referrers – public and private. We see the patient in real time as opposed to overseas reporting and teleradiology services, the practice of a radiologist interpreting medical images while not physically present in the location where the images are generated. “ The commitment to the community is evident in Bay Radiology’s holistic approach, says Deborah. The entire team of radiologists works within the public health system, ensuring that medical imaging reporting services are provided in the region. The company also takes pride in offering the BreastScreen Aotearoa service for the region, further contributing to community well-being. Bay Radiology’s upcoming developments showcase a dedication to further enhancing healthcare accessibility for the community. The new MRI clinic in the Whakatane region, set to open by the end of the year, is a testament to the company’s commitment to underserved areas. This separate clinic, situated next to Whakatane Hospital, will cater to both acute patients and outpatients, eliminating the need for Whakatane residents to travel to Tauranga for services. The company’s expansion continues in Tauranga, where a new headquarters is underway, featuring the first digital PET CT specialised scanning facility in the Bay of Plenty. With a planned opening by mid-2024, this state-of-the-art technology is particularly crucial for oncology imaging, allowing for more sensitive and effective cancer treatment. “It’s really exciting as previously our local population had to travel to the Waikato or Auckland for one of these scans,” adds Bay Radiology operations manager Sergio Fernandes. The developments come on the back of an expansion in April 2023 when Bay Radiology opened a new clinic in Papamoa. Located on Tara Road, this facility houses the first MRI, CT and mammography services in the area. To further improve patient experience and accessibility, Bay Radiology has introduced a web-based app called My Imaging. The innovative tool allows patients to conveniently access their images and reports on an ongoing basis with the additional function to share with relevant parties. In addition to technological advancements, Bay Radiology is committed to community support through sponsorships of organisations that promote Healthy lifestyles including the Heart Foundation, Bowel Cancer NZ, Gut Foundation and Brain Research Institute. Continuing its efforts to promote a healthy culture in the community it is the official sponsors of the AIMS Games Football teams an event that brings 30,000 people into the region and is the named sponsor for Tri NZ Secondary Schools Championship being held in Mt Maunganui on March 21-22. As the company expands its facilities and services, it is set to continue to transform the healthcare landscape and also ensure that the community receives world-class diagnostic information in a caring and professional environment,. THE TRUSTED COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL EXPERTS HVAC • REFRIGERATION ELECTRICAL • SOLAR • EV CHARGING PROUDLY SUPPORTING BAY RADIOLOGY www.rcrnz.co.nz 0800 STAY COOL enquiries@rcrnz.co.nz
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