Today, the first patient will be scanned with the brand new, state-of-the-art low dose radiation CT scanner at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
Paul Heinrich, NBRHC President and CEO says CTs are an important diagnostic tool, used in both urgent and outpatient cases. “As we have new services and increasing patient load, we now see more patients referred for these tests,” says Heinrich. “With the addition of a new CT scanner, it will help reduce wait time and provide patients with more advanced levels of care.”
Dr. Jeff Hodge, a radiologist, says the addition of the second CT scanner will both improve access to care while attempting to reduce wait times. “Many patients will require a CT scan during their time in hospital,” Dr. Hodge explains. “Trying to schedule scans for Emergency and admitted inpatients around already scheduled outpatients can create a backlog, and that’s when the wait times go up.” With two scanners operational, Dr. Hodge says they will be able to accommodate more patients by having one scanner more dedicated to inpatients and emergency patients; and the other more dedicated for outpatients and procedures.
Other improvements that will be seen with the new scanner are a reduced dose of radiation compared to the previous generation scanner it replaces; imaging is taken and shared with the radiologist more quickly; improved quality of images; and, the machine itself is more comfortable for the patient.
The second scanner will further the Health Centre’s cancer screening opportunities and its ability to perform more procedures, including biopsies, to diagnose cancer. A second scanner is also critical for 24/7 care when one machine is out of service.
This new piece of diagnostic equipment is possible because of the more than $2 million in community donations.
With the addition of another CT scanner, our team at NBRHC anticipates performing over 20,000 scans in our first year.
