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
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New clinical research entity first to operate across both Australia and New Zealand
Over the past 30 years, 18,000 clinical trials that have been registered in Australia, with the sector contributing $1.4 billion to Australia’s economy annually. Trials are a critical aspect of evidence-based medicine, and are essential for testing how new treatments, tests and vaccines will work. In New Zealand they contribute $146 million to the New Zealand economy.
To capitalise on this unique position and growth, a coordinated multi-site clinical research operation was missing, until now.
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GP Health of The Nation
As Australia’s largest professional general practice organisation, the RACGP represents more than 43,000 members, including more than 24,000 Fellows who have completed specialist training (or its equivalent). These are the frontline GPs who treat almost 22 million patients across the country every year.
Each year the runs a survey across Australian Doctors. This year’s report reflects the experience of more than 1300 RACGP Fellows from across Australia. Despite this and other achievements, the share of total government healthcare spend for primary care is in decline.
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Sonia Marshall – South Western Sydney Local Health District
South Western Sydney Local Health District serves nearly 1 million people in a rapidly growing area of Sydney. Currently 250-300 families a week are moving into the region and with a growing population, the health district requires well executed strategy and delivery of healthcare to the population. Executive Director Sonia Marshall spoke with Australian Health Journal reporter Anne Dao at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week in Sydney, on supporting staff and the community. Sonia highlights the mission of delivering Safe Quality Healthcare at all times. In-time patient feedback is important and the SWSLHD has implemented a system called “My Experience Matters” to give near immediate response from patients on their level of care, whilst they are still on site at the hospital. The aim of the initiative is to quickly identify bad experiences that could be rectified.
