Medical Imaging Unit

B.0440

Revision:

8.0

Date published:

19/12/2024

The Medical Imaging Unit provides for diagnostic and therapeutic radiological examinations to support clinical decision making and patient treatment. Patients range from fully ambulant outpatients to critically ill children and adults. Volumes and patient characteristics will impact on facility needs, layout and relationships with other units.

More About this HPU

An updated revision of HPU 440 Medical Imaging Unit (Revision 8.0, December 2024) has been uploaded to the AusHFG website. The revised version has been informed by an extensive consultation process with clinical, operational and technical experts.

Key changes to the document include:

Inclusion of high level description of common medical imaging modalities and terms.
Acknowledgement of the significant growth in interventional radiology (IR) and interventional neuroradiology (INR) services and inclusion of key planning and design considerations.
Updated new and emerging trends relating to imaging modalities including new modalities that are being provided in some jurisdictions and high-level planning information to guide project teams.
Acknowledgement that imaging services should be centralised where possible to support efficient use of modalities, optimal resourcing, and appropriate staff support.
Emphasis on the need to consider the replacement or upgrade of modalities during early planning stages to support minimal disruption to services in the future and ensure appropriate access and floor loading throughout the travel pathway.
Planning and design considerations relating to the reprocessing of ultrasound transducers.
Updates to the MRI design requirements including the MRI Safety Zones Diagram in line with RANZCR’s MRI Safety Guidelines.
Updates to the Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) to align with the associated revised AusHFG Standard Components.
Inclusion of an optional combined General X-Ray/OPG Room given this is frequently provided to optimise utilisation of the modalities.
Inclusion of a new indicative SOA for IR/INR services. It is emphasised that the future service model and preferred location for IR/INR must seek to optimise staffing efficiencies and workforce sustainability.
Updates to relevant policies, standards, and other key reference documents.

A thank you is extended to all those who have contributed to the review and update of this document.

Kind Regards,

The AusHFG Team