Patient Story: Brian’s Journey with Mobile Imaging
Pictured above: (L) Hamish Schumacher – Nuclear Medicine Technologist, and (R) Mark Eager – CE of MHG with the Mobile Imaging unit in Dunedin.
Patient feedback: Brian’s Journey with Mobile Imaging
In New Zealand, more than 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and timely access to advanced imaging such as PET-CT scans is critical for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Yet for many, these services are concentrated in major centres, often requiring long and stressful journeys away from home.
For Brian, a patient from Wakari in Dunedin, Mobile Imaging changed that. He was able to have his scan closer to home. He shares that it was an experience of feeling informed, cared for, and reassured at every step.
Having previously undergone a Gallium 68-Dotatate PET-CT scan this year, in Auckland, Brian was already familiar with the process. But this time, his experience with the mobile unit left an even stronger impression. The service being available in Dunedin also meant he did not need to travel to Auckland or Christchurch for his scan – something he was especially grateful for.
Mark Eager, Chief Executive of Mobile Health Group, explains: “Until now, accessing this level of imaging often required long journeys, as Gallium-68 Dotatate is only available in Auckland and Christchurch – posing logistical and financial challenges for many Kiwis. Mobile Imaging’s service not only helps patients like Brian avoid long and costly journeys but also reduces waiting times for scans and diagnosis – helping to improve cancer outcomes and equity of care across the country.
Brian’s referral was arranged by Dunedin Hospital, who coordinated his booking with the Mobile Imaging booking team. describes the booking process as “Absolutely faultless and seamless! Everything was very well explained to me before the scan, and I knew exactly what to expect. I was treated extremely well by the staff.”
Before the scan, Brian says he received a detailed information pack, which he found invaluable: “The information was extremely comprehensive and very clear, helping me feel informed and prepared.”
On the day, Brian was welcomed by Olivia and Hamish, two Nuclear Medicine Technologists (NMTs), who provided clear explanations and compassionate care, while encouraging him to ask questions or express any concerns.
“The information I was given beforehand, combined with the reassurances on the day, completely allayed any concerns I may have had,” he says.
One moment that stood out to Brian was the injection of the radiotracer: “The speed at which I felt the dye being injected was surprising, but again, I was very adequately briefed about the sensations I would feel.”
When asked what advice they’d give to someone preparing for a PET-CT scan with Mobile Imaging, Brian’s response was simple: “You have absolutely nothing to fear. You will be treated with the utmost care and compassion by extremely professional people who will explain everything to you every step of the way.”
Brian’s advice for patients: “Take a list of any medications you are taking. You will be asked a lot of questions about yourself, but all are essential and treated with utmost care.”