Northern Imaging Victoria: 16 months of growth and innovation

Since its establishment in October 2023, Northern Imaging Victoria (NIV) has rapidly evolved, making significant strides in medical imaging services. Now, 16 months into its journey, NIV has not only expanded its scope but has also enhanced the quality of imaging services with subspecialty expertise across all major areas.

This progress is reflected in the numerous milestones NIV has achieved over the past year, each bringing tangible benefits to patients and the northern community. These include:

• Expansion of medical imaging services: NIV has broadened its range of imaging services, ensuring comprehensive care with subspecialty expertise across all key areas.
• Refurbished and expanded imaging department at Broadmeadows Hospital: The introduction of a state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner has significantly improved imaging capabilities.
• Victoria’s first large-bore mechanical thrombectomy for pulmonary embolism: Performed in May 2024, this ground-breaking procedure marked a major achievement in interventional radiology.
• Enhanced Interventional Radiology (IR) service: NIV now offers an admission bed card, outpatient clinics, and consult services, further enhancing patient care (May 2024).
• Comprehensive breast imaging services: The addition of contrast-enhanced mammography, stereotactic, and MRI breast biopsies has strengthened NIV’s breast imaging capabilities (June 2024).
• Go-Live of a new PET-CT scanner: This advanced imaging technology became operational in August 2024, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
• Kilmore Imaging at Kilmore District Hospital: The launch of a new Siemens CT scanner in September 2024 has improved imaging access for regional patients.
• New stress cardiac MRI Service: NIV became the second facility in Victoria, after VHH, to offer this advanced diagnostic service (November 2024).
• Accredited Clinical Radiology Training program: In February 2025, NIV commenced a RANZCR-accredited Clinical Radiology training program, ensuring the next generation of radiologists receive top-tier education and experience.

Since its opening, NIV has imaged and treated an impressive 215,000 patients – nearly a quarter of a million – benefiting from its advanced imaging services. This significant patient volume reflects the high demand for and trust in NIV’s expertise.

Looking ahead, NIV is committed to further expanding and enhancing its imaging capabilities. Its upcoming projects include:

• New CT scanner in the Emergency Department (ED): This will further enhance emergency imaging efficiency and patient care.
• New imaging sites at Craigieburn and Mernda Community Hospitals: These facilities will improve accessibility to high-quality imaging services in the growing northern suburbs.
• Satellite imaging department in the new ED build: This expansion will ensure timely and efficient imaging for emergency patients.

“With a strong foundation and a vision for continued growth, we remain committed to delivering high-quality medical imaging services. Our goal is to further enhance patient care and advance medical imaging excellence across Victoria,” said A/Prof Terry Kok, Director of Imaging Services, Northern Health.

Sophie Dodson, Operations Manager, Northern Imaging Victoria says she’s incredibly proud of what they’ve built and continue to build at NIV.

“For me, working here has always been about teamwork and family, united by a shared goal, creating a workplace people are proud of while delivering exceptional patient care and top-quality imaging services. I’m excited about the future of Northern Imaging Victoria and our continued commitment to serving our community,” she said.

“Northern Imaging Victoria has transformed the diagnostic capabilities at Northern Health, providing patients with cutting-edge imaging closer to home. With comprehensive services in Epping and Broadmeadows, and an expanding regional presence in Craigieburn, Mernda, and Kilmore, we are enhancing access to high-quality diagnostic care,” said Professor Prahlad Ho, CMO, Northern Health.

Pictured in featured image (L-R): Dr Ming Joe Lim, Deputy Director of Imaging Services, Prof Prahlad Ho, Chief Medical Officer, Sophie Dodson, Operations Manager, Minister for Health of Victoria Mary-Anne Thomas, Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, A/Prof Stephen Schlicht, Head of Nuclear Medicine and A/Prof Terry Kok, Director of Imaging Services, during a recent visit to NIV.