Outdated Medical Equipment Increasing Risk to Patients and Staff

Ageing cardiac radiography equipment at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) is exposing staff and patients to potentially increased levels of radiation, impacting patient outcomes and costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

Shadow Minister for Health Libby Mettam said four theatres at Fiona Stanley Hospital were using imaging equipment that was so outdated Medicare would not pay rebates for procedures done using the machines.

“These lifesaving machines have been left by this Government to degrade to the point where they provide suboptimal results and cost about $500,000 in Medicare revenue every month,” she said.

“What’s almost as staggering is that it would cost the Cook Government just $10 million to replace the equipment.

“This is a question of the Government’s priorities. How important is patient health in comparison to pet projects like the racetrack?”

The cardiac angiography imaging equipment, installed and commissioned at FSH in June 2014, provides continuous imaging for guided cardiac procedures.

Ms Mettam said she had been contacted by staff who were concerned about regular breakdowns on the machines.

“To have the Head of Cardiology write to the Government warning of “major risks” to staff and patients as a result of ageing equipment should have sent alarm bells – instead more than a year later we have seen total inaction,” she said.

“One doctor said there have been times when a machine has broken down and patients have had to be moved midway through a procedure to another theatre.

“These machines have a documented 10-year life, so it has been known for 10 years that they would need replacement, or a major upgrade before June 2024.

“This is not something that is unexpected, doctors have been pushing for action for the past two years now.

“How can we be living in the wealthiest state in Australia but have patients going in for lifesaving heart treatment knowing that the equipment being used is outdated and dangerous.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Graham Mason | 0419 194 792