Interventional radiology upgrade to speed up stroke care in Auckland
Auckland City Hospital will receive a $41.2 million upgrade to interventional radiology services, improving stroke and emergency care with modern equipment and faster access to treatment.
The New Zealand government is investing $41.2 million to complete upgrades to interventional radiology services at Auckland City Hospital, aiming to enhance urgent stroke treatment and other critical procedures. Health Minister Simeon Brown highlighted that rapid access to treatment can determine recovery outcomes for stroke patients, emphasizing the importance of modern equipment and capacity. The investment will support faster diagnoses and minimally invasive interventions, reducing risks and recovery times for patients across the upper North Island.
Interventional radiology uses live imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT, and ultrasound to guide procedures through small skin incisions, including clot removal for strokes, lung embolisms, and repairing blood vessels. Auckland City Hospital operates one of the largest services in Australasia and is the only provider in Auckland and Northland for interventional neuroradiology, which treats brain and spine conditions like acute stroke and aneurysms. It also serves as the sole New Zealand center for these procedures in children.
The hospital’s stroke clot-retrieval service covers 2.8 million people and treats approximately 400 patients annually, with 80% of cases classified as acute or emergency care. Demand has risen, with over 4,100 procedures performed last year, a 14% increase since 2021. The upgrade project, initiated with a $41.2 million investment, includes a new interventional neuroradiology operating room, a replacement fluoroscopy room, an interventional ultrasound room, and additional short-stay recovery beds.
The project is scheduled for completion over the next three years, with operating rooms being brought online in phases to ensure uninterrupted patient care during construction. The government states the upgrade will lead to faster diagnoses, less invasive treatments, and improved recovery prospects for patients nationwide. The investment reflects a commitment to modernizing health infrastructure and ensuring reliable equipment for essential medical services.