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CT scans use special X-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body and use computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.

Finally, everyone who donated to the CT Scanner for Huron County Campaign will have an opportunity to see, first hand, the results of a $5 million fundraiser that culminated with the purchase of the latest in scanning and digital imaging technology.

On Tuesday, June 15 at 2 p.m. a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the CT Scanner Suite and updated Medical Imaging Department will take place at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital ( AM&GH ).

Following remarks from local hospital officials and county and municipal politicians, the newly constructed area will be open for public tours guided by hospital personnel. Refreshments will be available to the public in the hospital cafeteria.

Over the past three years, the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation Board raised over $5 million for the CT Scanner for Huron County/Diagnostic Imaging Campaign. Donors from across the county, including participating municipalities, pledged financial support to the project to bring the latest in scanning and imaging technology to Huron County.

An addition was constructed on the southwest corner of the hospital building to accommodate the new scanning suite and imaging equipment. The new fluoroscopy and general X-ray equipment began arriving in March and was operational within a week or two.

The 128-slice CT scanner arrived the first week of April and following training of staff on similar scanners in Tillsonburg and Fergus, was deployed in late April for use by Huron County patients and physicians.

Much was done in preparation for the arrival of the equipment, including the development of policies and procedures and protocols for patients and physicians for different testing that will be performed.

The former X-ray room in the hospital will be transformed into the new mammography suite, where the new full-field digital mammography unit will be housed once it is purchased. The Keeping Abreast Campaign to raise $550,000 for the unit is now in full swing.

Computed tomography scans, commonly called CT scans, use special X-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body and use computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs. This vital piece of equipment is standard treatment to diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease infectious disease, trauma, strokes and musculoskeletal disorders.

At one time, it was estimated that up to 1,800 Huron County patients had to wait three weeks to several months to have a CT scan performed, which impacted both treatment and recovery. Patients often travelled to Stratford, Owen Sound, London or Walkerton for scans.

The CT scanner will handle approximately 4,000 to 6,000 patients annually. The expanded hospital facilities and new equipment will also help in the recruitment of new physicians to the area, providing recent graduates with the diagnostic tools and equipment they routinely use.

Source: Goderich Signal-Star