6 things you should know about new CT scanner at Prince County Hospital

A new $750,000 CT scanner will improve patient care and safety at Summerside's Prince County Hospital, health officials say. Here are six things you should know.

What exactly is a CT scanner, anyway?

CT stands for computerized tomography. A CT scanner is used to detect and diagnose vascular diseases, cancers, pulmonary embolisms, spinal problems, injuries and other conditions. In 2015-16, there were 5,317 CT procedures done at Prince County Hospital, according to health officials.

Fewer trips to Charlottetown

The new technology enables staff at Prince County Hospital staff to carry out more procedures such as intricate vascular scans. Previously, patients had to travel to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for that procedure.

It's 3D

The new scanner is three-dimensional, which allows for more precise imaging and better patient diagnosis. It replaces a 10-year-old two-dimensional scanner.

It's safer

According to Gailyne MacPherson, Health PEI's director of diagnostic imaging, patients will benefit from "enhanced patient safety as a result of lower emissions of radiation delivered during the imaging process." It also pedal-operated, and officials say the hands-free environment facilitates better communication between the technologist and patient.

Who paid for it?

The provincial government paid half of the $750,000 price. The rest came from donations through the Prince County Hospital Foundation.

Other investments

Since 2015, the provincial government has partnered with Island hospital foundations, investing nearly $1 million in diagnostic imaging technology, including new digital x-ray suites at Western Hospital, Community Hospital O'Leary and Souris Hospital. Planning is now well underway for the installation of a new $10 million linear accelerator at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre.

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