Steve Biko Hospital welcomes two MRI machines

In the latest advancement, the Steve Biko Academic Hospital recently unveiled two new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines acquired by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH).

The provincial health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, was present at the hospital to oversee the handover on March 11.

The new technology will reportedly reduce waiting times, improve scheduling and prioritise urgent cases for all patients, including paediatrics and oncology.

The new MRI units support a more efficient workflow that prioritises urgent, semi-urgent and elective cases, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

This is particularly important for patients with complex medical conditions who require detailed and precise diagnostic imaging.

Speaking at the unveiling, Prof Zarina Lockhat, Head of Radiology, says that Steve Biko Academic Hospital had been waiting for a long time for the machine upgrades and is grateful for the department’s support.

“It’s got really state-of-the-art, all kinds of software that is really important for our imaging, including urology packages, diffusion imaging, ADC (Apparent Diffusion Coefficient) Maps, MR (Magnetic Resonance) Spectroscopy, and a whole lot of other urology applications,” Lockhat said.

“All the applications and software are standard with these units, and we do a lot of cardiac cases, so we’ve got an incredible cardiac package. We also do spinal imaging and orthopaedic cases, so each body system has a special package. Starting from the neuro, head, neck, back, abdomen, and hepatobiliary, we also get a lot of hepatobiliary cases,” she explained.

“Then women’s imaging, men’s imaging, special protocols, special streamline software packages, and then the image quality is exquisite, I must say. That’s a very important thing for us, to get the best images and the best detail.”

The MRI suites are fitted with colourful lighting inside to create a soothing and welcoming environment for patients.

Soft shades of pink, blue and purple illuminate the room, while the nature-inspired ceiling and ocean-themed wall design help patients feel relaxed during the scanning process.

This thoughtful use of colour is designed to reduce anxiety, promote comfort, and improve the overall patient experience while undergoing advanced MRI imaging.

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