40 years of MRI innovation at RNSH Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) has marked 40 years since the installation of the first MRI machine in a public hospital in Australia.
He added that RNSH continues to lead in MRI practice and research. “RNSH has been a leader in advancing MRI technology and its clinical applications, helping establish it as the gold standard for diagnosing stroke, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries and various cancers,” he said. “Ongoing research and innovation have expanded MRI into areas such as breast and abdominal imaging and radiotherapy planning, improving accuracy and patient outcomes.” Anthony Schembri, Chief Executive, NSLHD said the milestone reflects the hospital’s long tradition of innovation. “It’s important to mark these occasions, as they remind us of how far we’ve come,” he said.
Staff gathered to celebrate the anniversary and reflect on four decades of progress. Dr David Brazier, who has worked at RNSH for 47 years and was instrumental in establishing the MRI service reflected on how RNSH was chosen as the NSW site for MRI and how the machine was used initially. “When the MRI machine arrived in 1985, it completely changed how we approached diagnosis,” he said. “We were the only public hospital in NSW with an MRI, so other radiologists from across Sydney would come in the afternoons to use it.” Reflecting on how MRI imaging has evolved, Dr Brazier said the improvement has been remarkable. “What fills me with the greatest pride is witnessing the transformation of MRI – from its early, grainy images to the crystal-clear, high- resolution scans we produce today,” he said. “The improved image quality has revolutionised diagnosis and treatment, allowing us to detect and understand conditions with precision.”
Members of the RNSH radiology team with Dr David Brazier (far left)and Anthony Schembri (middle).
Hornsby first in NSW to join energy-saving grid program Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital has become the first hospital in New South Wales to take part in a new energy-saving program that supports the state’s electricity grid during periods of peak demand. power is seamless and patient care is never compromised,” he said.
The initiative also supports the district’s broader sustainability goals, including its commitment to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 emissions by 2035, with a 70–80 per cent reduction by 2030. The program will also deliver financial savings for the hospital while strengthening the district’s role as a leader in sustainable healthcare.
The hospital has joined Shell Energy’s Demand Response initiative, led by the Australian Energy Market Operator, which asks large energy users to reduce reliance on the grid in times of high demand or during a disaster situation. By switching to its backup generators during these periods, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital helps stabilise the grid and avoids additional strain on the power network without impacting any of the important equipment needed to provide safe patient care. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital General Manager Simon Hill said the program had been carefully designed to align with the hospital’s existing power systems. “The program builds on the hospital’s regular monthly generator testing schedule, which means any need to move to backup
Members of Hornsby Hospital’s Engineering Department team with one of the generators
NSLHD NEWS | ISSUE 20| 31 OCTOBER 2025
4
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online