The initiative addresses the shortage of skilled medical imaging professionals in regional Australia, by utilising advanced technology to connect remote MRI machines to a central "cockpit.”

In February 2024, I-MED initiated a successful pilot program utilising innovative technology to connect an MRI scanner in Rockhampton to a central "cockpit" managed by technicians. The Queensland cockpit, located in Ipswich, enables radiographers to view real-time images from patients undergoing scans at the remote site in Rockhampton.

This initiative enhances existing MRI services in Rockhampton by offering an additional 20 hours of after-hours appointments each week, allowing patients to access essential scans more swiftly and efficiently.

Since its launch, the Rockhampton team have completed over 1,000 remote MRI scans - equating to 400 hours of service. This effort has resulted in an impressive accumulation of 50 additional days of scan time, significantly reducing wait times for patients who might otherwise have to travel for imaging services.

Building on the success of the pilot program in Ipswich and Rockhampton, I-MED has expanded to another three cockpit locations across Queensland, in Brisbane, Gladstone and Townsville.

These remote MRI services directly address the national shortage of radiology professionals, particularly skilled imaging MRI technologists and radiographers in regional areas. The initiative not only improves local service availability but also provides significant benefits to local radiographers through access to training and educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable. Additionally, I-MED’s program offers upskilling opportunities to ensure its regional workforce is equipped to meet community needs.

2025 milestones 

In 2025, our North Queensland network has celebrated two major milestones that showcase the power of teamwork and technology.

The use of Syngo Virtual Cockpit for remote MRI has gone from strength to strength. Our team in Townsville has begun providing remote MRI support to clinics in Cairns and Mt Isa, an exciting demonstration of how this technology is helping us work more effectively across distances to deliver consistent, high-quality care wherever it’s needed most.

North Queensland’s second milestone is the launch of fetal MRI examinations in our Cairns clinic, supported by the Townsville cockpit — an initiative made possible only through the use of remote MRI. Recognising the challenges patients north of Townsville face in accessing specialist fetal imaging, the North Queensland team collaborated to establish a model of care that enables these complex scans to be performed in Cairns. This not only reduces the need for long and costly travel but also ensures timely local diagnosis when significant fetal abnormalities are suspected. Thanks to the reporting support of our SO+GI radiologists in Brisbane, this new service reflects the collaboration that exists across our network, enabling patient-centred care and equitable access to advanced diagnostics.