CT Scanner Approved for St. Martha's Hospital
The Nova Scotia government has approved the purchase of a computed tomograph (CT) scanner for St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish, Health Minister Jim Smith announced today.
The new scanner will provide greater diagnostic accuracy and reduce delays in treatment for the 45,000 residents served by St. Martha's. It also means that patients will no longer have to travel to New Glasgow or Sydney for a CT scan.
Dr. Smith said the province will pay 75 per cent of the capital cost of the new equipment and provide for annual operating costs. The remaining 25 per cent, or $200,000, will be funded by the community through the St. Martha's Hospital Foundation, half of it in the form of a pledge from the St. Martha's Hospital Auxiliary.
Foundation president Herman Long welcomed the province's announcement. "This is going to significantly enhance local services and assist our top-notch radiologists and medical staff to better serve patients at St. Martha's Hospital."
The Eastern Regional Health Board, which operates St. Martha's, carried out an impact analysis of CT scanning for the hospital almost a year ago. This was followed in April of this year by a request to the Department of Health for cost-sharing. Board chairman Philip Murray said acquiring a CT scanner was a top priority.
"This new equipment will provide access to an excellent diagnostic tool, while at the same time eliminating travel time," said Mr. Murray.
The hospital board's request was backed by letters and petitions from area residents and medical staff.
John Higgins, acting CEO of the Eastern Regional Health Board, said renovations at St. Martha's to accommodate the CT scanner unit will begin shortly. Tenders to acquire the unit will be let and technical staff trained in using the equipment. Mr. Higgins said the CT unit should be in full operation by April 1999.
"I know our radiologists will be happy to receive this state-of-the-art technology," said Mr. Higgins. "It should also help in our efforts to recruit additional physicians to this area of the province."
Dr. Smith said this latest addition will mean there are at least two such units in each of the four health regions in the province. He said the hospital foundation should be thanked for the part it played in securing capital funding.
"I look forward to the participation of the foundation, the hospital board and the community in future co-operative measures aimed at the betterment of health care services in the eastern region."