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Lake Macquarie Private Hospital unveils Australian-first concussion testing technology

Nov 12, 2024

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital has unveiled new technology able to easily and accurately test cognitive function in just six minutes, as the hospital looks to simplify concussion assessment and management for Hunter Valley locals.

The new technology, now available in Lake Macquarie Private Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), has been designed to quickly and painlessly scan and evaluate brain function, providing immediate results.

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Director of Emergency, Dr Mark Lee, said the hospital could now offer locals unique, and comprehensive concussion testing and treatment options in one place.

“If a member of the community suffers a suspected concussion, they can present to our ED, be tested and then, if necessary, be quickly referred to the appropriate specialist. As well as having the wonderful Newcastle Brain Centre based here on-site, we also have on-site rehabilitation specialists who are very experienced in assisting patients with head injuries,” Dr Lee said.

Neurologist Dr Chris Levi said the new technology, ‘NeuroCatch’, would be used to evaluate cognitive function and help determine treatment options.

“By offering rapid, objective insights into brain function, NeuroCatch can help an ED doctor to quickly determine care decisions and rehabilitation strategies,” Dr Levi said.

“With this new technology, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital’s concussion service is unmatched in its comprehensiveness and accessibility. Having NeuroCatch available in its 24/7 emergency department, combined with on-site imaging, and access to a dedicated team of specialists, including neurologists, Lake Macquarie is setting a new standard in concussion care.”

Lake Macquarie Private Hospital CEO, Sharon Rewitt, said this was the first time NeuroCatch technology had been made available in Australia.

“We’re thrilled to be the only Emergency Department in the country able to offer access to this leading technology which will revolutionise the way we diagnose and manage patients with mild head injuries, including concussion,” Ms Rewitt said.

The addition of the new technology at Lake Macquarie Private Hospital could also change the future of treatment for patients with head injuries around the country.

“The data collected by the new platform has the potential to be utilised by our hospital’s research and clinical trials unit in the future,” Ms Rewitt said.

“The de-identified data could one day be used for important concussion research and to potentially help specialists understand the long-term impacts of concussion.”