A new CT scanner was unveiled at the Chatham hospital site of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, Oct. 26, 2018. Photo by Greg Higgins.A new CT scanner was unveiled at the Chatham hospital site of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, Oct. 26, 2018. Photo by Greg Higgins.
Chatham

New CT scanner more efficient, will reduce wait times at CKHA

CK residents can stay closer to home for medical tests, thanks to a four-year fundraising campaign.

A new CT scanner was officially unveiled at the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Chatham hospital site of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Andy Fantuz, the honorary chair of diagnostic imaging campaign said a CT scanner saved his career in 2005, so it was a “personal touch” to be able to give back to Chatham-Kent.

“I’m really proud of the community to reach our goal,” said Fantuz. “We now have top of the line equipment right in our own backyard.”

Fantuz said the addition of the equipment benefited both patients and the local economy.

“As patients we have access to the best resources we can to diagnose our ailments and injuries properly,” said Fantuz. “This equipment also attracts physicians and staff at hospitals from all over. In every way we become better as a whole community. “

The Wiet Peeters & Family CT Scan Suite was also unveiled at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The suite was named after the Peeters family launched the fundraising campaign with a $1,000,000 donation.

“This has culminated into the most wonderful opportunity for this community,” said Mary Lou Crowley, executive director of the CKHA foundation.

“No more travelling up the highway,” said Crowley. Patients previously had to go to Windsor or London for CT scans.

Crowley called having “leading-edge” equipment a “huge milestone” for Chatham-Kent.

The new machine works faster and better than the old scanner.

Lori Marshall, president and CEO of the health alliance called the machine more efficient, saying it is able to perform the scan in just two seconds.

“In 2 seconds it produces a better, more clear image than the 20 second image,” said Marshall. “With a better resolution and higher quality.”

Patients should see a reduction in wait times with the new machine.

 

With files from Greg Higgins.

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