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The Computed Tomography System (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging System (MRI) of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), which were acquired with the generous donation of $40 Million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club, were officially launched today (February 11) to ensure the community with quality radiological services.
Officiating at the Launching Ceremony, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr. David Eldon GBS CBE JP, remarked, "Today's commissioning of this new equipment takes Hong Kong a further step forward in its goal of providing healthcare services that are second to none worldwide."
"The Hong Kong Jockey Club, as a major community benefactor, has always shared this goal and been a staunch supporter of medical services developments in Hong Kong. Given the quality service Queen Elizabeth Hospital has always had a reputation for providing, and the cutting edge that this new equipment now offers, I am sure that patients will enjoy better healthcare than ever." Mr Eldon said.
The new CT and MRI are equipped with the most updated hardware & software in the market. The state-of-the art scanners ensure efficient examination while maintaining patients¡¯ comfort. Most importantly, they provide the radiologists and referring clinicians superb images leading to more accurate disease diagnosis.
Other officiating guests of the Opening Ceremony included the Chairman of the Hospital Governing Committee of QEH, Mrs Eleanor LING, SBS, JP; the Director (Professional Services and Operations) of the Hospital Authority, Dr CHEUNG Wai-lun; the Cluster Chief Executive of Kowloon Central Cluster/Hospital Chief Executive of QEH, Dr HUNG Chi-tim; and the Chief of Service of the Department of Radiology & Imaging, QEH, Dr Susan CHAN.
¡°Technological advancement nowadays enables clinicians to make early detection of diseases through less invasive means. When earlier and more accurate diagnosis becomes possible, earlier intervention and management could then follow¡± Dr CHEUNG Wai-lun said.
Addressing the Ceremony, Mrs Eleanor LING expressed heartfelt thanks to The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their continuous contribution to upgrading the medical services in Hong Kong.
The Department of Radiology and Imaging of QEH is one of the busiest radiology departments in HK. Last year, over 333,000 patients attended the Department for various radiological examinations. From Year 2001 to 2005, the yearly patient attendances of CT examinations had a significant increase of 31% from less than 24, 000 cases to over 31,000. The MRI usage was over 6,200 cases on average per year. With the service commencement of the newly acquired equipment, a 10% increase in both the MRI and CT patient throughput this year is anticipated.
Ends/Saturday, February 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:55
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