ACCESS AND PRODUCTIVITY OUTCOMES WITH RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGY IN WESTERN SYDNEY Outcomes despite insufficient indexation, Government funding and workforce shortages
With
Leon Berkovich, CEO
GE HealthCare Australia and New Zealand
Dr Mansoor Parker
Diagnostic & Interventional Radiologist & Founding Partner,
Quantum Radiology, Sydney
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | November 2025
In Western Sydney, there is currently significant growth accompanied by a notable need for cardiovascular support due to the prevalence of related diseases. It is estimated that the population in this area will reach 6 million by 2041.
With this population growth, there is also a pressing shortage of healthcare professionals in Australia, particularly in the field of radiology, where there are not enough radiographers, sonographers, MRI technicians, and nuclear medicine technicians.
Previously, conducting complex imaging studies required the expertise of highly experienced technicians. Nonetheless, advancements in technology have enabled businesses to invest in new CT scanning technologies, from organisations such as GE HealthCare, making available the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to Dr. Mansoor Parker, a Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist in Western Sydney and Founder of Quantum Radiology, the technology can produce consistent, high-quality studies that do not solely rely on the skill of the technician.
Dr. Parker spoke to Australian Health Journal about the unique nature of Western Sydney as a cultural melting pot that has historically suffered from a lack of high-quality healthcare. His motivation for establishing radiology practices in this area stemmed from his own experiences of limited access to imaging services, especially MRI and interventional procedures.
He notes that the challenges faced by the population often go beyond mere accessibility, including language barriers and the need for culturally sensitive care that respects privacy while delivering high standards of healthcare.
According to Leon Berkovich, CEO of GE HealthCare Australia & New Zealand, GE HealthCare has excelled in obtaining AI patents within the imaging sector, demonstrating significant technological adoption in Australia—a mature market where clinicians are eager to integrate the latest technology across all areas. The growth in Western Sydney continues to highlight the urgent need for cardiovascular imaging services, and demographic projections indicate robust population increases.
Source: Adapted from transcript
-
Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Synopsis, including modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors
Talking to the Australian Health Journal, Professor Russo states there is a particular concern in joint operations, such as hip or knee replacements, as infections in these areas can have severe consequences, including the removal of the infected joint, prolonged treatment, and significant costs for both hospitals and patients. Despite the substantial impact of surgical site infections, Australia lacks a national surveillance program for these infections, making it challenging to obtain accurate data. However, an estimate suggests that around 45,000 surgical site infections occur annually in Australia, resulting in approximately 900 deaths.
-
Dental and oral health care priorities for the elderly
In 2023, there are a number of changes occurring in dental services including the start of a new Senate inquiry and new registered nurses in residential aged care. Yet in the meantime there are gaps and delays in dental and oral health interventions for elderly Australians, unless training is more widely deployed.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Leonie Short, a dental therapist working for Seniors Dental Care Australia on what she considers are dental and oral health priorities for the elderly, based on her work in the aged, home and disability sectors.
-
Value of MedTech Report brings Industry and Government together
In June 2023 the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) launched The Value of MedTech Report – a major study quantifying the difference the MedTech industry makes to the lives of Australian patients, the healthcare system and the Australian economy.
Australian Health Journal spoke with MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess and MTAA Policy Manager, Pravin Siriwardena about the report and its key findings.
