| 89 Karen Phelps Ascot Radiology has been rebranded as Astra Radiology, the move going hand in hand with significant investment into all the businesses. HEALTH IDX Group Ascot Radiology has been renamed Astra Radiology to reflect the growth of the company and its continual investment in the latest technology, says general manager for IDX Group New Zealand, Alison Chetwynd. “Astra was the name chosen to reflect our focus on being the leading stars of radiology,” she says. Astra Radiology is part of the Integral Diagnostics IDX Group, which also includes SRG Radiology, Trinity MRI and Cone Radiology. The move will also include visual rebranding of the other businesses to bring them all under the one brand family, says Alison. It will also go hand in hand with significant investment into all the businesses. Astra Radiology will have a multi million-dollar injection in its North Shore site at AUT Millennium including new SPECT-CT equipment. “A SPECT-CT scan is a type of nuclear medicine scan where the images or pictures from two different types of scans are combined together,” explains Alison. Common reasons medical professionals might recommend patients have this type of scan include joint or bone pain, fracture and arthritis assessment, blood flow to the heart, and blood flow to the lungs. With international studies predicting a growing number of people might suffer from long Covid with heart and lung problems, Alison says this type of investment is important to ensure people can get the help they need. The service will be available from mid 2022. Other services offered at Astra Radiology include CT (Computed Tomography), DEXA Bone Densitometry, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET-CT, Ultrasound and X-Rays. Astra Radiology is renowned for its expertise in breast and general body imaging, MSK, obstetric care, and interventional radiology. One of the key differences for IDX radiologists and businesses is their independence. “Our radiologists work in partnership with our referrers, so people can be assured of a quality report performed by an independent and fully qualified, specialised radiologist.” Most radiologists employed by the group are Fellowship trained radiologists. Alison says it’s an important distinction. “After their initial training is complete a radiologist can begin practicing right away but our radiologists have received further specialised fellowship training within their chosen specialty. This means we offer some of the most highly qualified radiologists available in the country with a wide range of specialties to suit the needs of our patients.” Working side by side with the radiologists, Alison says that IDX is immensely proud of its team of technologists, radiographers and support team. “Some patients are struggling through some really tough decisions, however we pride ourselves on providing the best in care experience for all our patients.” Trinity MRI is the only specialist neuro and spinal radiology company in New Zealand, which sees referrals from all over the country. All scans are double read by two Fellowship level radiologists meaning patients receive the best advice possible says Alison. SRG specialises in musculoskeletal radiology with Fellowship trained level radiologists in this practice. Cone Radiology offers high performance 3D cone beam CT. Alison says that cone beam imaging enables ENT specialists, implant specialists, maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, general practitioners, plastic surgeons and chiropractors to use three-dimensional imaging as a critical diagnostic and treatment planning tool. Alison says that IDX Group recognises the importance of remaining at the forefront of the latest technology and continual investment in the most up to date equipment by leading global providers is a strong focus. She says the group is on a growth trajectory with a robust investment programme planned so Kiwis can experience the very best imaging available, delivering the most accurate results through its caring specialist teams. Investment in latest technology
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