Better Sooner More Convenient Primary Care - New Zealand Doctor

Appendix Eight: Improved access to diagnostics
1. Aspirational statement:
The people of the West Coast will be able to access radiological diagnostic investigations in a
convenient and timely manner.
2 Project overview
Currently there is direct access from primary care to Grey Hospital for plain film x-ray and
ultrasound (except musculoskeletal) in a timely manner.
Direct access to selected CT imaging using referral guidelines will provide sooner and more
convenient care for patients and will be implemented by July 2010.
Direct access to musculoskeletal ultrasound will require capacity issues to be addressed;
planning will commence in July 2010, with access using referral guidelines possible by January
2011 if current barriers can be overcome.
3 Problem definition
A full range of plain x-ray, CT scans and ultrasounds is available at Grey Base Hospital. The
digital PACS system is used and images sent digitally to Christchurch for reporting by
Christchurch Radiology Group radiologists. Buller Hospital has plain x-ray.
There is no private radiology service on the West Coast; to access private services patients
travel to Christchurch or Nelson.
Plain film radiology
Currently there is open access from primary care to plain film radiology in Greymouth and
Westport during office hours.
For urgent x-rays in Greymouth the practice rings for an appointment and then faxes in the
request form or sends it in with the patient; either same day, or within 24 hour access is
available. For less urgent requests the form is posted and waiting times are a maximum of one
week. This service is highly regarded by general practitioners.
Business case appendices V12 AC 25Feb2010 Page 71