New CT Scanner Brings Latest Technology to Aberdeen Hospital

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When Aberdeen Health Foundation, Chair, Robyn Eaton recently co-signed a cheque to Nova Scotia Health, she was moved by the significance of the moment. She could see clearly how the vision of the Foundation’s founding members is being sustained and realized. The amount was close to $1.5 million. In that moment, she was struck by how donor generosity combined with decades of effective financial stewardship was directly impacting health care in the community. 
“Being able to provide this kind of funding, without having to burden the community with a request for support and seeing the Foundation’s impact on health care is incredible,” said Robyn. “I am bursting with pride, appreciation, and gratitude that I live in a place where this is possible.”
This funding was used primarily for a new CT (or CAT) Scanner for Aberdeen Hospital. The scanner is critical for accurately diagnosing what is happening inside the body and determining appropriate treatment. The technology is complex and constantly developing, which means the new equipment represents an important advance in diagnostic imaging at the Aberdeen Hospital. 
The scanner will replace one that the Aberdeen Health Foundation funded in partnership with Sutherland Harris Hospital Foundation in 2007. The newer technology contains software that works faster and provides technologists and radiologists more tools for imaging and analysis. The increased scanning speed eliminates image “artifacts” created by motion and provides overall higher image quality. The technology also reduces image artifacts caused by prostheses like hip and knee joints increasing the diagnostic value of the exam.  An added benefit of the new equipment is that voice instructions to patients can be customized by the technologists rather than having to use instructions that were pre-programmed into the machine. For patients who have real fear about spending time in the scanner, this helps to humanize the experience and alleviate anxiety. 
“The new scanner brings the most recent technology in CT scanning to the Aberdeen Hospital,” says David Quann, Director of Diagnostic Imaging for Nova Scotia Health, Northern Zone. “It’s faster and offers many more tools for the radiologists to use in diagnosis. For our patients there is significantly less of a radiation dose and faster scanning means a more comfortable procedure with shorter breath holds. This will make a real difference for radiology staff and patients alike.”
2020 has been a year like no other in recent memory. As it draws to a close the Aberdeen Health Foundation looks with gratitude to the community, those who serve on the front lines and everyone who has made it possible to create a positive impact on health care in Pictou County. 
 
Photo caption: Dr. Dan Petrie, Radiologist is pictured with the new CT Scanner at the Aberdeen Hospital. (Image made By Scott Munn)