Released on September 29, 2017
A new computed tomography (CT) scanner installed at Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) provides more detailed information for diagnostics and treatment while reducing radiation exposure for patients and staff.
Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit joined representatives of the Prairie North Health Region, hospital staff, donors, volunteers and community leaders at BUH in celebration of the $1.2 million 160-slice CT scanner. The previous unit was a 16-slice scanner.
“Improved diagnostics improves patient care for Battlefords and surrounding area,” Ottenbreit said. “This $600,000 investment supports continued access to high-quality and safe medical diagnostics as close to home as possible.”
Provincial funding was matched by funds raised by the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Their efforts were supported by a radiothon hosted by the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group radio stations in North Battleford.
“We are thrilled to be able to deliver improved CT services to our patients,” Prairie North Regional Health Authority Chairperson Bonnie O’Grady said. “We are tremendously grateful to the Ministry of Health and Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation for committing the necessary funding for the project. Without their support and the generosity of local and area donors, replacement of BUH’s original scanner would not have been possible.”
“It was an exciting venture and we are honoured to be a part of it,” Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Chairperson Jay Crocket said. “The foundation is dedicated to enriching patient care at BUH through the responsible stewardship of community contributions and volunteer resources and we were happy to accept the challenge of raising half the cost of the new CT scanner.”
The first patient examined with the new CT scanner was on September 18, following six weeks of work to renovate the existing space and install new equipment. CT services were maintained throughout that time thanks to a mobile CT unit brought in by the Prairie North Health Region. The mobile unit is now in use at Lloydminster Hospital, where a new 160-slice CT scanner is also being installed.
The new Lloydminster CT is expected to be in operation by November.
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For more information, contact:
Shirley Xie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: Shirley.Xie@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594
Linda Lewis
Prairie North Health Region
North Battleford
Phone: 306-446-6625
Email: linda.lewis@pnrha.ca