At St Vincent’s, medical imaging is at the heart of almost every patient journey. From emergency stroke care to cancer treatment and complex neurological conditions, doctors rely on clear, accurate scans to guide critical decisions. Each year, more than 110,000 scans are performed across the hospital including the Emergency Department, making imaging one of our most important services.
Leading this work is A/Prof Yael Barnett, Director of Radiology and Head of MRI. A specialist in advanced brain imaging, she has helped establish Australia’s first MRI-guided focused ultrasound centre at St Vincent’s and has driven the integration of AI into imaging at the hospital, ensuring patients benefit from the most advanced diagnostic technology available.
To ensure fast and precise lifesaving care, St Vincent’s urgently needs to upgrade to the next generation of medical imaging technology. Our last upgrade, supported by generous donors, was in 2009. It is now time to re-equip our hospital with the latest medical imaging technology to give our patients the best care services that thousands of patients depend on.
Faster, Clearer Results
Two new Siemens MRI machines will deliver sharper images and shorter scan times, helping doctors detect problems earlier and start treatment sooner. Clinicians will also get clearer imaging to guide their decisions for cancer patients. For patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis, this means more precise monitoring and better planning for future care. For stroke patients, where every minute counts, faster and clearer imaging can make a critical difference in treatment decisions.
Improved Patient Experiences
Shorter scans make a big difference for patients who are frail, anxious or uncomfortable and cannot stay still for long. Fewer repeat scans mean less stress for patients and their families, and smoother flow through emergency and inpatient services with shorter wait times. The new imaging equipment will also help St Vincent’s run nearly 500 clinical trials each year, giving patients access to the latest treatments and medical advances.
Anna McFadgen, CEO of St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, shared the importance of the upgrade: “No technology can replace the skill or compassion of our clinicians. But these innovations will ensure patients get the care they need, when they need it most, increase our imaging accuracy and capacity and improve patient flow.”
How You Can Make a Difference Now
Thanks to early leadership from the JW & M Cunningham Foundation, the Alan & Lynne Rydge Foundation, the Turnbull Foundation, ABC Tissue Products and The Henry Ngai Australian Charitable Foundation, as well as the d’Albora Family Foundation, we are on the way to this vital upgrade.
Their commitment has brought us significantly closer to the $9.66 million goal to secure two new MRI units by June 2026. Philanthropic support will help complete this initial project, rework vital imaging services for thousands of patients in emergency, cancer care and anyone who needs accurate scans, each year. You can get involved and support medical imaging by pledging a multi-year gift or exploring naming rights opportunities. Your support ensures patients continue to receive faster, more precise scans and the compassionate care they deserve.