Equipment group buy supports facilities upgrade for Victorian forensic investigators

For health services, the purchase of a new computed tomography (CT) scanner usually means service improvements for patients.

For the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM), a new CT scanner is vital for carrying out its work of investigating deaths reported to the coroner.

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) Radiographers Miranda Northey and Catherine Vincent with VIFM's new CT scanner

The Southbank-based organisation receives up to 20 deceased bodies each day and VIFM Executive Lead for Capital Works Judith Ross says a full body scan is carried out on the majority.

Funded by the Department of Justice, the VIFM is fitted out similarly to a medium-sized hospital, with operating theatres, purpose-built laboratories and medical equipment. As an independent statutory authority, VIFM supports the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Department of Health and Emergency Management Victoria.

A CT scan of the deceased provides essential information for forensic pathologists prior to medical examination, Judith says. It can also reduce the need for an invasive procedure especially if there are cultural or religious objections.

“Without a CT scanner to support our triage process, our workload would increase significantly,” she says.

The VIFM’s first CT scanner was installed in 2005. Since then, CT scanning has become standard practice, dramatically reducing the need for full autopsies.

As part of a $30 million upgrade program, VIFM recently worked with HSV to procure a replacement CT scanner and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

Judith says the new CT scanner – installed in June – and MRI machine – due for installation in 2024 – will put VIFM at the forefront of forensic investigations in Australia. She explains that MRI use is relatively new in forensic environments and will be particularly useful in investigating infant deaths as well as opening new research avenues for the institute.

In addition to coronial investigations, the VIFM also investigates sexual assault and domestic violence cases, while the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria, which is part of the organisation, processes human tissue for transplantation in orthopaedic, spinal and cardiac surgeries. The new equipment will support these activities and provide investigators with more detailed information on soft tissue injuries in criminal investigations.

VIFM was able to join a group buy facilitated by HSV to source both machines. Judith says working with HSV resulted in significant cost savings and provided access to much-needed specialist advice.

“As a small statutory authority, we have limited procurement capability. HSV simplified the process for us and reduced the administrative burden,” she says.

“They were able to give us the advice we needed to help us document our requirements and facilitate the procurement process.”

As the program of works to rebuild their mortuary continues, Judith says the successful procurement of the CT scanner was an important milestone for the Institute.

HSV Director Customer Engagement Alfred Matthews says the procurement for the VIFM highlights the wide range of eligible customers HSV serves within the public health and related services space.

“Eligible services that partner with us gain access to our market knowledge as well as procurement expertise so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes,” he says.

For more information about upcoming aggregated sourcing activities or general support for equipment procurement, please contact an HSV Customer Relationship Manager or the HSV Helpdesk at helpdesk@healthsharevic.org.au or phone 03 9947 3900.