In mid-2025, Radincon supplied x-ray equipment to Sydney Wildlife Rescue Centre’s Mobile Care Unit (MCU), which runs clinic days for wildlife carers around the Sydney area.
Adding x-ray capability to a mobile unit used by multiple vets at the same time presented some challenges. Most significantly, space was at a premium. We needed a compact solution which didn’t compromise on image quality or usability.
Joan Reid, who co-founded the MCU along with Lynleigh Greig, was our primary contact for this project. We caught up with her to learn more about the MCU and the impact of adding x-ray to the services on board.
Why is a Mobile Care Unit needed?
Wildlife carers provide an essential service, but they are not veterinarians. The MCU supports them by offering access to experienced volunteer vets in a clinic setting.
Carers can book appointments where they receive expert diagnosis and treatment for their wildlife patients. The MCU also provides medications and supplies at no cost to vet and carers. They donate their time and attention already – we don’t want them to bear a financial burden as well.
How does the Mobile Care Unit operate?
The MCU runs on a regular schedule across multiple locations in Sydney. It supports licensed wildlife carers from all organisations, not just Sydney Wildlife Rescue.
MCU clinics are held as follows
- Weekly Thursday clinic at The Pet Specialists, Terrey Hills
- Fortnightly Wednesday clinic outside Frenchs Forest Veterinary Hospital, Frenchs Forest
- Fortnightly Friday or Saturday clinic at Gladesville Veterinary Hospital, Gladesville
Carers book appointments and provide information about their patient and its condition in advance.
On clinic days, between one and five vets volunteer their time to diagnose and treat a wide range of wildlife species.
How is the MCU funded?
All funding for the MCU is from donations, and all activities are carried out by volunteers. That includes all the behind-the-scenes administration and coordination – for example, managing logistics, compliance and volunteer records.
Medical supplies are also funded through Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s fundraising efforts.
For equipment, we rely heavily on the support of industry partners, including Radincon, who supplied our x-ray system at a significantly reduced cost.
Tell us about adding x-ray capability to the MCU
Integrating x-ray functionality into the MCU required careful planning and coordination.
The first step was to select the best x-ray system for a mobile clinic. We needed something compact and efficient, which we could also secure during transport. Brett from Radincon conducted on-site assessments to identify the best configuration. Our amazing volunteer builder / engineer Tony then modified the MCU vehicle as required.
In the final stage, Brett returned to install and commission the equipment. He also trained volunteers and team members so they can set up and operate the equipment confidently.
How much is the x-ray equipment used?
We’ve used the x-ray system almost every clinic day since installation. Our diagnostic capability has improved significantly.
Some recent cases highlight its value:
- Our vets saw a snake which was lethargic and had abdominal lumps. They used full-body x-ray to distinguish between retained eggs and obstructive material, so they could determine the best course of treatment.
- A carer brought in a corella which had been treated for a fracture already but had chewed off its bandage. X-ray images showed a secondary fracture, leading to humane euthanasia to avoid prolonged suffering.
- Vets assessed a kookaburra patient which couldn’t fly. The carer suspected a fracture of the coracoid, but the x-ray showed no bone damage. Knowing that the injury was to the soft tissue rather than skeletal led to less intervention and a more positive treatment plan.
Any final words?
Collaboration is essential for the MCU to deliver high-quality care to native wildlife across Sydney. Volunteer vets, wildlife carers, operational support teams and industry partners all work together.
Demand for services is high. To expand clinic availability, we need more volunteer vets, ongoing funding, and suitable locations.
Vets who are interested in supporting this initiative and helping deliver vital wildlife care, please contact Sydney Wildlife.
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X-ray equipment used
Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s MCU has the following x-ray equipment:
- Porta 380 High Frequency X-Ray Unit
- RAD-X DR 50G Mobile System