Meet the driving forces behind the Southern Hemisphere’s first PET-CT unit – Greg Wood (Woody) and Rodney Turkington – also known as Mobile Imaging’s Steerologists. Combined, the duo have a wealth of driving experience and compelling transport-talk.
Woody resides on a farm in Levin with his wife, Helen. Together they have four children, two “annoying dogs” and a cat. With 33 years in the heavy transport industry, Woody has spent most of his working life on the road. He set-up his own transport business but was soon approached by McCarthy Transport to be their Transport Manager in Whanganui.
In 2002, a dentist onboard the mobile surgical unit overheard a driver was leaving the organisation. This dentist happened to be Woody’s wife who referred him as a candidate. “I started my training on the lithotripsy unit, then went on to drive the mobile surgical unit. I’m impressed with Mobile Health Group and its progress, especially the new PET-CT unit where a lot of thought and time has gone into the build,” he says.
Woody’s accomplice, Rodney joined Mobile Health Group last year. He resides with his wife Jenni at Cook’s Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. Rodney confesses he was a builder by trade but didn’t enjoy it one bit! “Most builders, build to create and enjoy the visual aspect of transforming a house into a home. I didn’t seem to get any satisfaction from it at all,” he laughs.
Rodney abandoned the building trade to become a logistic driver. “I travelled around the North Island for six years and during this time, I got to know the roads well. I enjoy my own company and driving allows me to see the country and its beautiful scenery.”
After reading an article on the mobile surgical unit, Rodney made a call to Mobile Health Group. “I admired what the company was doing for rural communities, and I wanted to know more. Next minute, I’m talking to the CE who advised me that the new PET-CT unit was being built and to keep in touch.”
Mobile Imaging went into service on May 14, 2024, scanning the first patients at Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital. Woody and Rodney were onsite to assist with the set-up and greet the patients.
“This is where the emotion hits you,” says Woody.
He adds, “Both patients were from Tauranga and very nice people. I wear my heart on my sleeve, so meeting them and knowing how unwell they were was difficult. They are extremely brave, and it makes you see things in a different light.”
Woody and Rodney are clear advocators of Mobile Imaging. “I can speak for both of us in saying that we feel proud to be part of an organisation that is delivering PET-CT services to patients in their local community. After years of planning, hard work, and plenty of learning curves, witnessing the new unit in action, and being behind its wheel is a tremendous feeling,” Rodney says.