MILLS MEMORIAL is getting a new x-ray machine, replacing one that’s well past its prime.
“It was really at the end of its life and it was hard to maintain and to find parts,” explained the Northern Health Authority’s Chris Simms of the old machine.
The project includes renovations to the room in which the new device will be housed, within the hospital’s imaging department.
“What we’re going to have is better imaging quality and lower radiation exposure,” said Simms of the new device.
The new device incorporates digital technology, superior to the analog one its replacing. And it’s also less expensive with a total project cost of $400,000 compared to the $800,000 price tag for a new analog one alone.
“So it’s not only better, it’s cheaper,” noted Simms, adding physicians and specialists will have the benefit of improved images.
The digital aspect of the new machine also means it will be easier and quicker to transmit images to elsewhere if needed.
Simms noted that patients will also benefit from reduced radiation exposure thanks to the new technology.
And that technology will result in faster scans so that technicians will be able to see more patients each day, he said.
Sixty per cent of the cost is being covered by the Northern Health Authority and 40 per cent by the Northwest Regional Hospital District, a regional taxation authority.
The hospital district “is pleased to partner with Northern Health to see this equipment replacement go ahead, allowing Mills Memorial to maintain and improve services,” said hospital district administrator Yvonne Koerner.
The new machine is expected to be installed and up and running by the end of the month.