CT scanner install marked

The recent installation of a new CT scanner unit at the Regional Health Centre in Yorkton was officially marked Friday.

Suann Laurent, president and CEO of the Sunrise Health Region said the installation was a positive step forward in patient care, which is why “a day like this is just so special,” because it creates “enhanced health outcomes for people....

“It’s allowing us to have a greater impact on patient care.”

The equipment replaces a 10-year old scanner that had reached its life expectancy. The installation required renovations in the space and upgrades to the power and cooling systems. Medical radiation technologists received training on the new enhanced scanner and software.

Laurent said it was a case of time making the old unit basically obsolete.

“Technological advancement happens at warp speed today,” she said. “We work hard to stay on top of these advancements.”

The original unit was a 10-slice CT unit, but a software upgrade brought it up to 16-slice for more detailed scans.

The unit now in place creates 128-slice scans.

“This new CT scan is significantly faster, and provides more detailed scans than the one it replaced,” said Greg Ottenbreit, minister for Rural and Remote Health.

Ottenbreit also noted the unit “is safer”, because there is “less radiation exposure to patients.”

There is much advancement in technology with the new CT scanner. Greater detail is possible due to the capacity for 128-slice scans; a significant improvement from the previous 16-slice CT scanner. Scans are faster, which reduces radiation exposure for clients. The new CT scanner has additional safety features, including a closed-circuit camera which enables technologists to view clients during the exam. Quicker scans are more comfortable for clients, and the new scanner bed can handle people who are larger in terms of both height and weight.

Don Rae, interim chair of the SHR Board said part of the mission of the Region is to improve the health and wellness of people and the new CT enhances the opportunity to do just that.

“It’s a piece of the puzzle for the big picture,” he said.

The provincial government contributed half the $1.2 million cost toward the replacement of the CT scanner while The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan took on the task of fundraising the remaining $600,000. When the funding was announced in April 2015, the health region was able to take advantage of cost savings as part of a provincially-negotiated contract with the medical imaging supplier.

Ottenbreit said it was great to see the local effort of “rallying the community around this very worthy cause … You saw a need and you stepped forward.”

Ross Fisher, Executive Director with the Sunrise Health Foundation said the fundraising was definitely a community effort, a community that extends beyond city boundaries.

“There was a recognition we’re all part of a larger community,” he said, adding “… we are very giving people” when the cause is something which makes sense to do.

The CT scan unit is such a project because it enhances the possible health care for people throughout the health region.

“We don’t get where we want to go if we don’t all … pull together to get there,” said Fisher.