New Equipment Will Improve Service in Inverness Area

Health Minister Jamie Muir announced today, June 13, that funding is being provided to purchase new x-ray equipment for the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. This new equipment will replace what was originally installed when the hospital was built, 25 years ago.

"This new general radiographic room with computed radiography will allow for greater efficiency in diagnostic testing and will improve the hospital's ability to treat patients and improve their health," said Mr. Muir.

The sophisticated equipment marks a significant development for the hospital. It will enable diagnostic imaging staff to view high-quality electronic images while reducing the need for traditional x-ray film images and processing.

Selection of the new medical equipment for Inverness was based on priorities submitted by the Cape Breton District Health Authority. Factors such as how many people will benefit from the new equipment, current wait lists and the number of procedures per year were considered. Each year, 12,600 exams take place in the radiology room at the hospital.

"This is encouraging news for people in our district, particularly for those in the Inverness area," said John Malcom, CEO of the district. "By providing our staff with the latest technology we are working towards our goal of improving the services we offer."

The new equipment will be paid for from the $30 million Nova Scotia received from the federal government's program to assist provinces and territories with the purchase of new or replacement medical equipment.

In February 2001, Mr. Muir announced the allocation of the first $15 million for new medical equipment. A portion of that amount, $2 million, was used to purchase electric beds and patient lifts to benefit patients and nursing home residents. The new equipment also helped to provide better working conditions for nurses and other health-care professionals.

The health minister will be in Sydney later today to announce additional equipment for the Cape Breton District Health Authority and for other parts of the province. Next week, he will be in Truro for another medical equipment announcement.