CT Scanner Announced for Dartmouth General Hospital

The provincial government has approved the purchase of a CT scan unit for Dartmouth General Hospital. Health Minister Jim Smith said the government will pay 75 per cent of the capital cost of the unit, with the remainder being contributed by the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation.

The new equipment will improve emergency services in the area, allowing Dartmouth General staff to carry out important diagnostic services. At present, patients with a variety of suspected illnesses who need a CT scan -- particularly patients with suspected head or neck injuries -- must be transported to hospitals in Halifax.

"Patients will have quicker access to diagnosis and treatment, while doctors can enhance the type of health care they deliver at Dartmouth General," said Dr. Smith. "I want to thank the members of the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation for their outstanding effort in making sure Dartmouth receives this state-of-the-art technology."

Cliff Moir, chairman of the hospital foundation, welcomed the minister's announcement that the Department of Health is assisting with the purchase of the hospital's CT scanner.

"The foundation has already commenced a campaign to raise $1 million for the purchase of emergency-services equipment, and this assistance from the province will certainly be of great help. The hospital foundation will rely on the generosity of the citizens of Dartmouth and surrounding areas for their support in raising the remainder of the funds necessary to purchase this equipment."

The new CT scanner is the first of several major upgrades planned for Dartmouth General Hospital. Dr. Fred French, chairman of the Central Regional Health Board, thanked the Dartmouth General Hospital Charitable Foundation for its generous contribution.

"You continue to have a critical role in supporting community-based health care," he said. "Thanks to the foundation's support, the board has already begun the process of adding this essential service to its emergency department.

"I look forward to more participation and co-operation between the foundation, the hospital board and the community, as well as the Department of Health to help improve health care services in the area."

The need for a CT scanner for Dartmouth General Hospital was identified some time ago. The tendering process started in April 1998. The hospital has a short list of suppliers and hopes to buy the unit next month and have it operational shortly after.

The province approved funding for CT scanners at two other hospitals this month. The Department of Health will help pay for a new unit at the South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, and another for St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish.