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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Landmark research projects tackle critical issues in emergency healthcare
For two decades, the demand for emergency department services in Australia has outpaced population growth and wait times have increased. In 2022-2023 more than 8.8 million emergency department presentations occurred nationwide.
While demand is a contributing factor, EDs are currently being impacted by various factors across the entire health system.
The Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) is a non-profit organisation funding innovative Australian research that improves the way people are cared for in a medical emergency. The aim of the research is to deliver better and more effective health services to save lives and money.
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More health care volunteers needed for Street Side Medics
Identifying a gap in the healthcare of vulnerable people in New South Wales, Dr Daniel Nour founded Street Side Medics in August 2020, a not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service for people experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Daniel Nour is a cardiology advanced trainee at Royal North Shore Hospital and the founder of Street Side Medics, a mobile medical service dedicated to providing GP-led care to individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative started from a customised van, which serves as a medical clinic, visiting food services and shelters across New South Wales and recently Victoria. Street Side Medics offers free medical care without requiring documentation, ID, or a Medicare card.
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Rural allied health mentorship program creates opportunities for students and practice
Melanie Roll, a director and physiotherapist at Gen Health Hamilton, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of allied health professionals. Gen Health’s support begins with a work experience program for local secondary school students, where they can observe a variety of health services and participate in an annual careers night to explore allied health career pathways.
Upon moving to tertiary education, students are offered placements through a five-week program designed to transition them from observation to supervised practice and ultimately to seeing their own patients. In their final study year, they can apply for the mentorship program, which aids the transition into private practice.
