FERGUS – A mobile CT unit has arrived at Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) in Fergus.
In a news release Tuesday, the Wellington Health Care Alliance says the temporary solution will ensure that CT imaging services can continue while the hospital replaces its existing CT scanner with a new model.
The temporary mobile CT scanner is stationed at the hospital’s main entrance, and as a result, the patient drop-off lane is closed, however accessible parking remains available close to the main entrance, during the installation of the new CT scanner.
The hospital’s current CT scanner, which the alliance says has been in service for nearly 16 years, has reached the end of its service life and the new CT scanner will offer enhanced image quality and more precise data, aiding physicians in making accurate diagnoses.
Dr. Samir Patel, Lead Radiologist at GMCH says there have been many advancements and leaps in technology over the years, and a new CT scanner will bring the diagnostic advantages home for the patients of Groves.
“One of the biggest advances will be better quality/resolution images, but using a lower dose of radiation to the patient. The enhanced images will increase diagnostic precision; directly impacting Radiology physicians’ ability to quickly and accurately diagnose our patients. We will also see less downtime/servicing, as required by our current CT; leading to decreased wait times and reduced chance of patients requiring transfer to other hospitals for scans,” Patel said.
Groves Memorial performs around 6,000 CT exams annually.
“CT scans are essential in diagnosing a variety of conditions, such as: internal injuries from car accidents, potential strokes, chest pain or extremity pain that could indicate blood clots, as well as monitoring or detecting cancer,” the health care alliance said.
The installation of the new equipment, along with staff training on the upgraded technology, is expected to be completed by March.
