**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
New PET-CT Scanner for the QEII Health Sciences Centre
Nova Scotians will receive more timely diagnoses and treatment with a new PET-CT scanner at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
For many types of cancer, PET-CT scans are the most accurate imaging test to determine the extent of cancer spread at diagnosis, show the cancer’s response to therapy and look for possible cancer recurrence in follow-up. A PET-CT scan often finds cancer not seen on other imaging tests.
“The PET-CT scanner is a very specialized piece of equipment and is the only scanner of its kind in Nova Scotia,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “Physicians and other health-care providers use it every day to diagnose, track and treat cancer patients from across the province.”
Government is investing $3.8 million to purchase and install the new scanner. The QEII Foundation is contributing $600,000.
Quotes:
“With the improved resolution of a new PET scanner, we will be able to detect smaller cancers to enable more effective treatment for patients. A new scanner will also do faster scans, meaning we can see more patients per day so they can move to the next stage of their care sooner.
– Dr. James Clarke, chief of diagnostic imaging, central zone, Nova Scotia Health Authority
“Donors’ commitment to advancing health care will ensure the QEII is home to the best PET-CT technology, with an extended field of view for greater imaging capabilities. This is an example of how philanthropy transforms health care and makes certain the QEII is at its best for patients and families.”
– Bill Bean, QEII Foundation president and CEO
Quick Facts:
— PET-CT stands for positron emission tomography-computerized tomography
— a PET-CT scanner is used to provide detailed images and information about cancer and occasionally for other medical conditions like dementia, epilepsy and heart inflammation
— the new scanner will replace the only existing scanner in the province and have the most advance technology available
— a request for proposals has been posted and the scanner is expected to be in place next spring
Additional Resources:
Request for Proposals: https://procurement.novascotia.ca/
