Photo Source: cottonbro studio
Bay Radiology’s flagship clinic, officially opened on 17th Avenue in Tauranga, brings a new level of sophistication to medical imaging in the region.
The clinic is poised to make a lasting impact on healthcare access across the Bay of Plenty, with its advanced technology and comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
A Cutting-Edge Facility Designed for the Future
The newly opened clinic, sprawling over 3,000 square metres, stands as the largest medical imaging facility in New Zealand. Inside, cutting-edge technology takes centre stage, including Tauranga’s first Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (Pet-CT) scanner, alongside MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and more.
Designed to keep pace with the region’s expanding healthcare needs, the clinic’s infrastructure prioritises a smooth and efficient diagnostic journey for patients. The facility’s completion underscores Bay Radiology’s commitment to shaping the future of medical imaging for the Bay of Plenty community.
Phased Opening Enhances Early Access
The clinic’s opening was carried out in two phases to allow early access to essential imaging services while construction was still ongoing.
- Phase One (September 2024): The Pet-CT scanner became operational, providing vital diagnostic support for conditions like cancer.
- Phase Two (February 2025): The full completion of the facility, enabling a comprehensive range of imaging services under one roof. This strategic approach ensured that crucial medical imaging services were available to patients months before the entire facility was fully completed.
Comprehensive Medical Imaging Services
The Tauranga clinic now offers a wide array of diagnostic and interventional imaging services, including:
- Interventional radiology for minimally invasive procedures
- Mammography for breast cancer screening
- Fluoroscopy for real-time imaging of internal structures
- Specialised imaging for musculoskeletal, oncology, neuroradiology, abdominal, and head and neck conditions
This expansion means that patients no longer have to travel long distances to access these high-quality diagnostic services, significantly improving healthcare accessibility in the region.
Leadership Voices on the Clinic’s Impact
Dr. Kunaal Rajpal, Managing Radiologist, emphasised the importance of equitable access to healthcare in regional New Zealand, stating:
“Equity of access to healthcare for people living in regional New Zealand is an issue that concerns all healthcare providers, so we are proud to be able to provide better access to high-quality imaging locally. Our radiologists have a wide range of sub-specialities including musculoskeletal, interventional, breast, body imaging, oncology, neuroradiology, abdominal, and head and neck imaging. Patients can feel confident knowing that if the need arises, highly specialised expertise is right on their doorstep.”
Nicola Daisley, Regional Manager, highlighted the immediate impact of the Pet-CT scanner since its initial opening in September 2024:
“Since opening in September, our Pet-CT team has delivered diagnostic results for over 100 patients, enabling their lead care specialists to provide the best possible healthcare treatment plans. We are delighted to now be offering a full suite of modalities from one central and easily accessible location, streamlining the diagnostic process for our community.”
Terry McLaughlin, CEO of RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group, reinforced the significance of the new facility in the group’s long-term vision for healthcare in the region:
“Our 17th Ave clinic is the heart of our Bay Radiology operations, providing patients access to the full suite of medical imaging services in one convenient location. Bay Radiology has been supporting the local community with their healthcare needs for over 30 years. We look forward to at least another 30 years of better health outcomes for Bay and Eastern Bay of Plenty residents.”