New kid-friendly ultrasound suite to benefit thousands of kids each year
Mother Ashleigh Evans, Patient Isla Wagstaff, MinRes Director People, Andrea Chapman and FSH Lead Sonographer Marilyn Zalesco.
For four-year-old Isla and her family, regular ultrasound scans are an important part of managing her kidney disorder, which she was diagnosed with before her birth.
Now, children like Isla will benefit from a new dedicated paediatric ultrasound suite at Fiona Stanley Hospital, made possible through a $388,000 contribution from Mineral Resources (MinRes) in partnership with Telethon.
The new suite will help create a better experience for children and families while supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Something Isla's mum, Ashleigh, says will make a big difference for children and families navigating ongoing care.
“The new suite is fantastic because it makes the ultrasound more enjoyable for kids,” said Ashleigh.
“Anything that makes the hospital experience that little bit less stressful is welcomed.”
Designed especially for children, the bright and colourful suite will help young patients feel more comfortable during their scans, while giving clinicians access to advanced imaging technology.
The system provides high-quality imaging and helps answer complex clinical questions in a single scan.
This means faster diagnoses, shorter examination times, fewer repeat tests and appointments, and increased imaging capacity.
Ultrasound is a safe and important diagnostic tool for children because it does not use radiation or injections.
Fiona Stanley Hospital Sonographer Supervisor Marilyn Zelesco said the new technology would improve both patient experience and clinical outcomes.
"The new equipment will provide clearer answers sooner, helping reduce the need for additional tests and appointments," Marilyn said.
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group Head of Service, Medical Imaging, Dr Brad Wood, said the dedicated suite would help children feel more relaxed during their scan.
"This purpose-built space will create a calmer experience for children and their families while helping clinicians obtain the best possible images," Brad said.
MinRes Director People Andrea Chapman said MinRes was proud to be a long-term supporter of Telethon, donating $16.5 million over the past decade.
"The team at Fiona Stanley Hospital are there for children and their families when they need it most and it is a privilege to support their work through our partnership with Telethon,” Andrea said.