State-of-the-art imaging

New $750,000 digital CT scanner unveiled at Prince County Hospital

A state-of-the art digital CT scanner is now operational at the Prince County Hospital.

The $750,000 unit, its cost split between the Prince County Hospital Foundation and the province, was unveiled Wednesday but has been in use since mid-June.

The new three-dimensional scanner provides PCH technologists with a more detailed patient view during the imaging process, adding to the quality of testing. Health Minister Robert Henderson and Gordon MacFarlane, who is with the Prince County Hospital Foundation board of directors, listen as Julie Sinclair, CT supervisor and technician, explains how the new digital CT scanner works. scanner but, if and when that day happens, I will be reassured to know that we are dealing with the best equipment possible here.”

It is a 160-slice scanner, compared to the former 16-slice scanner, allowing for more precise imaging results and better patient diagnosis.

“It provides the ability to get higher-quality testing and images back to the physicians so that they can make better decisions and diagnosis,” said Health Minister Robert Henderson, who got a first-hand look at the scanner.

The radiation dose a patient receives is now less, and the scanner’s table and gantry — the large hole that the patient goes through as the images are captured — can accommodate larger patients.

“This is the only place in the province that will be able to do CT scans on patients in that bariatric weight range,” said Gailyne MacPherson, provincial director of diagnostic imaging. “It also provides a hands-free environment for the technologist so that they can talk to their patients easily.”

Its lateral-movement table means less patient repositioning.

“This is one of the best technologies that’s offered in diagnostic imaging,” said Henderson. “For us to have this in the province

With the new technology, Prince County Hospital will be able to carry out intricate vascular scans, which had only been provided on P.E.I. at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“The techs were so excited to get the chance to operate the equipment,” added MacPherson. “They were really engaged and I think patients will benefit from that.”