More than 16,000 Nova Scotians will continue to receive reliable diagnosis and treatment thanks to government approval for a new CT scanner at Dartmouth General Hospital.

“The CT scanner is used every day in the hospital for emergency patients and others with serious illness or injury,” said Randy Delorey, Minister of Health and Wellness. “It’s a key piece of equipment that physicians and other health-care workers rely on to diagnose and treat patients.”

A CT (computerized tomography) scanner uses a series of X-ray views to take images of organs, bones and soft tissues in the body. It helps to examine people quickly who may have internal injuries or other trauma.

Purchase and installation of a CT scanner will cost up to $1.9 million. The new scanner will replace the existing one.

The announcement was made in the newly-renovated fourth floor, marking the completion of the first round of renovations at Dartmouth General Hospital. The renovations included the third and fourth floors as part of the QEII redevelopment project. Other renovations will include construction of space for 48 beds on the fifth floor, eight operating rooms and upgrades to areas like pharmacy and diagnostic imaging.

“We are excited to install a state-of-the-art CT scanner that will enhance the services for patients at Dartmouth General Hospital,” said Dr. David Barnes, chief of radiology for Nova Scotia Health Authority’s central zone. “The new scanner will have advanced technology, allowing for improvements in all imaging, including orthopedics. It will also allow for faster imaging of more complex cases.”

A request for proposals will be issued soon for the new CT scanner.

For updates on the QEII redevelopment project, go to QE2redevelopment.ca.

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Source: Media Release