NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park says the opening of the state’s first multifunctional Interventional Radiology Suite at Liverpool Hospital has set a new standard in life-saving patient care and medical innovation.
The facility, a highlight of the first phase of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) redevelopment, combines cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiogram, computed tomography (CT) and sonar (ultrasound) in one purpose-built, centralised location.
Dubbed the IR-MACS suite, the unit allows patients to undergo highly complex, combined procedures without leaving the table, delivering exceptional precision.
From minimally invasive procedures to kill cancer cells in tumours and block the flow of blood in aneurysms, IR-MACS is redefining interventional radiology in NSW, said Minister Park.
“It is critical that cutting-edge services such as the incredible new Interventional Radiology suite are a major focus of the $830 million Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct to ensure the community continues to receive world-class care close to home,” he said.
“I congratulate the many teams involved in the opening of IR-MACS. We are building the healthcare of the future right here in the heart of Liverpool.’’
The unit includes three state-of-the-art rooms, featuring the latest interventional CT, a ceiling-mounted angiographic suite and a wide-bore MRI. The technology can operate individually or as a single, seamless unit.
Specialist staff are equipped to deliver advanced care in a radiation-free environment, helping to keep them safe when providing care to patients.
“The opening of the new IR-MACS suite represents a new era in care for Liverpool Hospital,” said Liverpool Hospital General Manager, Scott McGrath.
“The amazing IR-MACS technology provides minimally invasive treatments which stop bleeding, shrink tumours and save lives often in a single day.
“The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct redevelopment is creating a centre for innovation and health research to provide a world-class working environment for our highly skilled clinicians and staff.’’
Demolition works to prepare the site for Phase 2 of the LHAP redevelopment are well underway. Phase 2 will deliver a second integrated services building, including an integrated cancer centre, with a wellness centre, and expanded women’s and children’s ambulatory care.
“Conceived in 2006, meticulously planned since 2009, and realised through years of sustained commitment, IR-MACS represents a landmark achievement in interventional radiology in NSW and a bold step into the future of image-guided therapy,” said Liverpool Hospital Head of Department Interventional Radiology, Dr Glen Schlaphoff.
“As the first interventional radiology suite in NSW to integrate MRI, CT, and angiography within a single, co-located environment, it enables highly complex, minimally invasive procedures with unprecedented imaging precision and procedural flow, all without moving the patient from the table, enhancing both safety and therapeutic efficacy.
“The ability to perform real-time MRI-guided tumour ablations and complex, previously unachievable biopsies is taking interventional oncology to new levels of precision and treatment success.’’
The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
