The mobile unit will conduct traditional CT scans, as well as the more advanced hybrid PET-CT scans. Photo: Mobile Health Group
A company behind a new mobile PET-CT scanner says the slow process to get a national contract for their much-needed service is incredibly frustrating.
Mobile Health Group and Mercy Radiology have partnered to develop and build the mobile scanner, which was built in the Netherlands for $7 million.
Mobile Health Group chief executive Mark Eager said the mobile diagnostic PET-CT scanner would be a "game changer" for provincial and rural New Zealand.
The Mobile Health Group's mobile imaging unit. Photo: Mobile Health Group
It meant people in provincial New Zealand could get access to scanning without the stress and disruption of travel.
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Currently, there were six permanent PET-CT scanners, based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.
All were privately operated but took referrals from the public system.
The mobile PET-CT unit would perform traditional CT scans, as well as the more advanced hybrid PET-CT scans (Positron Emission Tomography), with patients receiving a small amount of radiotracer to deliver highly sensitive imaging and allow doctors to study specific areas of body.
The mobile PET-CT scanner will bring state of the art medical imaging to the regions. Photo: Mobile Health Group
Mobile Health Group were yet to get a national contract with Health NZ, and recent reforms to the sector had seemed to slow down the process, Eager said.
"We've been building this over the last 12 months, and all the people we have been speaking to in Health NZ over the last 12 month have gone. So we have had to restart the conversation which has been difficult."
Under the new rules, firms needed to go through a central body who seem to be snowed under, he said.
Regardless, the mobile PET-CT scanners would be in operation from 14 May, with a circuit around the middle of the North Island.
The Mobile Imaging unit was officially blessed in March 2024 in Auckland by kaumātua Eru Morgan. Photo: Mobile Health Group
The company would be approaching different districts to see if they could assist with the overflow of people waiting for scans.
"We've had referrals from people already, which is great. Because the waitlist is too long.
"Imagine getting diagnosed with cancer, and the rules say you should have a scan within seven days, but depending on where you are around the country, the waitlist at the moment is three to four weeks."
Navigating the process with Health NZ had been very difficult, Eager said.
"I have been so frustrated, when there is a desperate need around and we have a solution, and bureaucracy is stifling the process. We are just caught up with this perfect storm with the reforms not being able to cope with innovative technology."
On Monday the new unit and other parts of the Mobile Health Group will be on display outside Parliament.
