In the field of ultrasound technology the image is everything.
So the Groves Hospital Foundation has embarked on a fundraising effort to raise $230,000 for a state of the art ultrasound machine.
The new equipment will work in tandem with another ultrasound unit purchased earlier by the hospital and will bring that area of diagnostic imaging at Groves up to date.
Sonographers Angela Murray, Nancy Rumph and Randi Smith operate the equipment with an estimated 6,500 images taken each year. Manager of diagnostic imaging Kaush Patel, who has worked in the field for about 30 years, said ongoing advances in technology necessitate regular upgrading of ultrasound equipment. He recommends a five to six year cycle before equipment needs to be replaced.
“It’s improved imaging,” Murray said of the current equipment. “We scan pretty well everything. It differentiates soft tissues. We can do tendons, legs looking for blood clots, bladder disease, and kidney stones.”
Added Patel, “It helps in diagnosing disease easier. It’s not using radiation so it’s a lot safer.”
The ultrasound equipment complements other procedures, including X-rays in the diagnostic department.
“It’s a common procedure,” Patel said.
The equipment shows a moving image of what the sonographer wants to capture and produces a picture which can be scanned to create the best image possible for the doctor to review. It can also be pre-programmed allowing specific equipment procedures to be used when scanning specific tissues.
Sherri Sutherland, executive director of the Groves Hospital Foundation, said the ultrasound fundraising effort is part of a $572,600 fundraiser to replace aging equipment.
“With donations we can purchase this vital piece of equipment. With support we can provide better patient care,” she said.
Murray, who has worked in the department for the past seven years, added, “It’s the best place to work.”
Donations to the equipment fund can be made by contacting the foundation office at 519-843-2012 ext. 3268 or online at donategroves.ca.
