Grey Bruce Health Services is receiving endorsement from Ontario Health in the proposal to purchase and new CT scanner for Southampton Hospital.
According to a release, an endorsement from Ontario Health is needed in order for the Ministry of Health to approve GBHS’ plan to install the new equipment.
The endorsement is the first stage of a multi-phase process to get approval, with GBHS already going after the second stage, which is the ministry.
“The proposal is well aligned with both Ministry and Ontario Health priorities and sufficiently meets all identified requirements,” says Ontario Health.
The release notes the only scanner GBHS owns is situated at the Owen Sound Regional Hospital. Each year, 20 per cent of the 13,000 CT scans provided to patients need to come from Saugeen Shores and the surrounding communities.
GBHS President and CEO Gary Sims says they are very please to have the support of Ontario Health as the proposal moves forward.
“A new scanner in Southampton will increase local access for patients, reduce costs associated with ambulance transfers to our Owen Sound Hospital, and give patients faster access to test results,” says Sims.
Following a 10,000 square foot renovation completed at the Southampton Hospital in 2019, the hospital is able to accommodate a CT scanner in its Medical Imaging Department, however, the release notes some additional renovations will be needed to install the scanner and meet safety and infection control requirements.
GBHS says, CT scans are becoming a diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians as it is capable of capturing clear and detailed images. With a new unit available, GBHS will be able to provide a timely procedure for the people requiring this type of imaging.
