Every patient journey begins with understanding what is happening inside the body. At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the Medical Imaging Department plays a vital role in helping healthcare providers see, diagnose, and treat medical conditions through advanced imaging technology and expert care.
As Guyanaโs national referral hospital, GPHC provides medical imaging services to patients from across all ten administrative regions. From emergency cases and routine check-ups to complex surgeries and specialist care, the department provides essential information that helps doctors make timely and informed decisions.
๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ
The story of Radiology at GPHC began with a vision to strengthen diagnostic care in Guyana. After completing her studies in 1961, Ms. Norma Odle returned home from England with the knowledge and passion to develop the field of medical imaging locally.
At the time, the hospitalโs imaging services were limited primarily to X-ray examinations. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals to support the growth of the service, Ms. Odle established a training programme to teach and prepare future medical imaging personnel.
Through her dedication and commitment, the foundation was laid for the development of a stronger Medical Imaging Department, creating opportunities for healthcare professionals to build careers while improving diagnostic services for patients.
๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฒ
Over the years, Medical Imaging at GPHC has grown significantly. Today, the department offers a wide range of diagnostic services that support patient care across the hospital and the wider healthcare system.
These services include:
๐-๐ซ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐
Used to examine bones, the chest, and other areas of the body to identify fractures, infections, and other conditions.
๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐
A safe, non-invasive service used to assess organs, monitor pregnancies, examine tissues, and guide certain procedures.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฒ (๐๐) ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ
Provides detailed images of the body to help diagnose conditions such as strokes, injuries, tumours, and internal bleeding.
๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ (๐๐๐)
Uses advanced technology to produce detailed images of soft tissues, the brain, spine, joints, and other parts of the body.
๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ก๐ฒ
Supports the early detection and assessment of breast abnormalities.
๐ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฒ
Provides real-time images to assist with diagnostic examinations and procedures.
๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ
Uses image guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment.
Behind every image is a dedicated team of professionals working together to provide safe, accurate, and compassionate care. This includes radiologists, radiographers, ultrasound technologists, nurses, and support staff who ensure every patient receives quality service throughout their imaging experience.
๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค
Medical imaging is more than producing pictures. Each image provides important information that helps guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
The department works closely with teams throughout GPHC, including the Accident and Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, operating theatres, oncology, neurology, obstetrics and other clinical services.
Through teamwork, advanced technology, and a commitment to patient safety, the Medical Imaging Department continues to support faster diagnosis and better care for patients.
๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐
As healthcare continues to evolve, GPHC is investing in the future of diagnostic services.
The hospital is currently constructing a dedicated Medical Imaging Centre, which will provide a modern space to house advanced imaging services, including CT scanning and MRI technology. This expansion will improve access, efficiency, and the overall patient experience.
Additionally, the implementation of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) System will help create a more seamless process for patients and healthcare providers. By improving access to patient information, reducing delays, and strengthening communication between departments, the system will support more coordinated and efficient care.
