Mission Matters Issue 3 Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 10
Beyond Pixels: (l to r) Radiologist Registrars, Dr. Sadbh Donerty & Dr. Isobel Pilkington
(with Prof. Peter McMahon) and Dr. Lara Toerien and Dr. Nicola Clery
I can see clearly now…
R
Consultant
Radiologist Dr.
Peter McMahon
advises how
Radiology at the
Mater is reducing
uncertainty through
innovation,
collaboration and
compassionate care
adiology touches almost every
part of the hospital journey.
From emergency diagnosis to
long-term treatment planning,
Radiology shapes the wider patient
experience at the Mater Hospital by
reducing uncertainty. In the
emergency department, a scan can
decide whether a patient needs
surgery, thrombectomy,
anticoagulation, reassurance and/or
admission. In cancer care and chronic
disease, imaging helps plan treatment
and monitor response. At the Mater,
our aim is to provide the right test,
interpreted quickly and accurately,
with clear communication so decisions
can be made safely and promptly.
Some of the biggest advances in
Radiology at the Mater in recent years
have been in stroke imaging,
emergency CT, and more recently AIsupported detection. At the Mater we
use imaging tools to assess a range of
conditions including stroke,
intracranial haemorrhage, pulmonary
embolism, cervical spine injury and
fractures. The benefit is not
technology for its own sake: it is
earlier diagnosis, better prioritisation
of urgent cases, and more confidence
for clinicians.
Radiology is often described as
8behind the scenes9 yet it plays such a
visible role in modern medicine.
The collaboration between Radiology
and other departments in delivering
joined-up patient care is fundamental.
Radiology is never just an image and a
report; it depends on the clinical
question, the patient9s condition, prior
imaging, and what treatment options
are realistically available. Our work
with emergency medicine, neurology,
neurosurgery, oncology, orthopaedics,
respiratory medicine and many others
is central to good care.
The best radiology happens when we
are part of the clinical conversation.
Artificial Intelligence is now
increasingly becoming part of
healthcare conversations and is
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