Big enough to make a difference

Superior technology means superior clinical outcomes

Maintaining our position at the cutting edge of imaging technology is an important part of our service delivery. It enables us to deliver superior clinical outcomes in both a cost effective and efficient manner.

This includes:

The I-MED Network is committed to completing its state-of-the-art RIS/PACS system and digital imaging technology across its entire network. This integrated system will allow for the distribution, storage and retrieval of all our digital images. This will allow our radiologists to quickly access reports and recent prior images for comparison. The implementation of our RIS/PACS system will also allow us to complete our move to capturing all images in a digital format. Digitisation allows for image manipulation and enhancement after the image has been captured, therefore improving diagnosis.

A virtual network that links national and international I-MED Network clinics

In conjunction with our RIS/PACS rollout, we are continuing to upgrade our integrated digital network, including our clinics in the United Kingdom. This will continue to significantly improve the work environment for everyone. Our radiologists can now share workloads and seek second opinions. Specialised images can be sent to sub-specialist radiologists for reporting. Over time, our referring doctors will also be able to access patients’ images and reports through secure web portals.

On call 24 / 7

The I-MED Network has established a Virtual Reporting Network (VRN) based in Melbourne to provide back-up and support to its network of clinics, and to provide on-call and after-hours service. The VRN operates from purpose-built, sophisticated off-site radiology reporting facilities capable of reporting all modalities including x-ray, Ultrasound, multi-slice CT, MRI and Nuclear Medicine. The VRN uses the latest available communications and information technology to provide a reporting environment second to none in Australia. Further after-hours support (11pm-8am) is provided by an Australian qualified radiologist based within our clinic at Harley Street, London, using the latest in teleradiology technology to move digital images around the globe in real time.

The latest imaging equipment

The I-MED Network is committed to providing the latest in imaging equipment. At present, we operate within our network over 30 high field MRI units (including the latest 3.0T), 110 multi-slice CT scanners (including the latest 64 slice machines for cardiac imaging) and 53 Nuclear Medicine facilities. This extensive range of equipment enables the referring doctor to select the most appropriate modality for their patient. The I-MED Network also operates the only two private Medicare funded PET facilities in Australia, located at our Wesley Hospital practice in Brisbane and our Monash Medical Centre – Moorabbin practice in Melbourne.

Sharing best practice

A commitment to knowledge sharing and working together to achieve best practice, lies at the heart of the I-MED Network approach and is fast becoming a unique source of competitive advantage. It all comes down to leveraging the intellectual capital of the group. At all levels throughout the organisation, sharing of ideas and information are actively promoted through structured teams, committees and executives. At both a clinical and management level, ideas are freely exchanged through face-to-face meetings, intranet, video-conferencing and site visits.

Providing great careers for our staff

At the I-MED Network, our scale gives us unique opportunities to support the professional and personal development of all our staff. This includes such things as the opportunity to work in different locations throughout the network, both within Australia and the United Kingdom, to progress into leadership and management positions, to participate in major network projects, and to represent the I-MED Network on external professional committees.

We are committed to the ongoing development of staff by supporting continuing professional development requirements, providing internal training and development programs, and ensuring appropriate supervision and support systems are in place. For our radiologists, our commitment to information sharing, maintaining the latest imaging equipment and further training through our Fellowship Program, ensures that those wishing to pursue sub-specialisation are able to do so. While we have already achieved a great deal in this area, we recognise there is more we can do. Therefore career development will remain a key focus for the I-MED Network in the coming years.