ABOYNE – Groves Memorial Community Hospital has reached a significant milestone in the process of upgrading its CT scanner, with the arrival of a mobile CT unit.
This temporary solution will ensure that CT imaging services can continue while the hospital replaces its existing CT scanner with a new model.
The installation of the new equipment, along with staff training on the upgraded technology, is expected to be completed by March.
The new CT scanner will offer enhanced image quality and more precise data, aiding physicians in making accurate diagnoses.
Additionally, this new advanced scanner uses lower radiation doses, which is safer for patients.
Groves performs around 6,000 CT exams annually.
The hospital’s current CT scanner, which has been in service for nearly 16 years, has reached the end of its service life.
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 mobile CT scanner is stationed at the hospital’s main entrance, and as a result, the patient drop-off lane is closed.
Accessible parking remains available close to the main entrance, during the installation of the new CT scanner.
The mobile CT scanner is powered by a green generator package, reducing diesel use to just one to two hours a day to operate the scanner.
“There have been many advancements and leaps in technology over the years, and a new CT scanner will bring these diagnostic advantages home for the patients of Groves,” said Groves’ lead radiologist Dr. Samir Patel.
Patel said the new CT scanner will provide better quality images and diagnostic accuracy.
“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,” he added.
Groves chief of staff Dr. Matthew Westendorp said the CT scanner has become a critical diagnostic tool and part of the standard of care at the hospital.
But the old scanner requires significant downtime between patients.
“There is an expectation for quick and timely CT scans in so many more medical situations and the population has grown exponentially, so it is even more difficult to practice when it breaks regularly now, compared to 15 years ago.”
