The Lawler Labor Government continues to deliver state-of-the-art equipment to Territorians.
In a Territory first, Top End residents can now access an innovative procedure for the early diagnosis of lung conditions, including lung cancer.
Modern equipment to provide endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) bronchoscopies is now available at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH).
An EBUS bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to take a detailed look at a patient's lungs and airways.
The new EBUS equipment, called the Olympus BF-UC190F Linear Scope, is one of the most technologically advanced instruments available globally. It has an ultrasound installed on a bronchoscope, which enables the accurate and safe assessment of lymph nodes. This means clinicians at RDH can now assess lymph nodes and lung lesions which cannot be accessed using conventional diagnostic tools.
The new equipment will improve patient safety, as it is more accurate and less invasive than other similar diagnostic procedures, which can involve surgery.
The EBUS procedure is especially important in the diagnosis of lung cancer, which can lead to improved patient outcomes through early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Implementation of this new procedure also provides opportunities for RDH nursing and medical staff, including trainee medical doctors, to gain experience using best practice advanced technology.
Professor Phan Nguyen, Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital - a pioneer renowned in EBUS procedures in Australia and worldwide - provided supervision and guidance to RDH respiratory specialists during the equipment induction process.
The new equipment will create ongoing cost savings and offer ongoing training for RDH respiratory physicians, nursing and support staff.
The Lawler Labor Government continues to secure hi-tech equipment to improve health services in the Territory, including at Katherine Hospital which recently received a new rapid cardiac equipment that delivers results within minutes.
Our Lawler Labor Government is also advocating to the Commonwealth Government, along with other state and territories for more funding for hospitals especially to meet the needs of Territorians.
Attributable to Minister for Health Selena Uibo:
"Our Lawler Labor Government puts Territorians first - we are proud to have the most technologically advanced procedure for lung conditions now available in the Territory.
"We continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment to offer top quality care for Territorians - that is a Territory Labor commitment.
"This new procedure offers high-quality care, and it means Territorians can have care closer to home and precise diagnosis quicker."
Northern Territory Government
