News release

New CT Scanner for Yarmouth Regional Hospital

Health and Wellness

Thousands of patients in the Yarmouth area will soon get better care, thanks to a new CT scanner the province will help to fund.

The province will pay just over $1 million toward the cost of a new, faster CT scanner, Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele, on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson, announced today, June 24.

"The Yarmouth Regional Hospital has a busy emergency department, and it needs a CT scanner that staff and patients can rely on," said Mr. Steele.

"A new scanner will provide higher-quality scans faster. This will allow health care staff time to focus on what's really important -- the patients."

The CT scanner is the hospital's primary imaging tool for cancer, stroke and trauma patients. The emergency department relies on it. The current scanner is more than 10 years old; typically, manufacturers suggest a seven-year lifespan.

The scanner will cost about $1.4 million. The province will pay for 75 per cent of the cost. South West Health will be responsible for the remaining 25 per cent.

"Being able to perform faster, more accurate scans means less waiting and a more comfortable experience for patients," said Dr. Joel Surette, chief of radiology. "Having the latest diagnostic technology available is also an attractive incentive when recruiting physicians and other health-care professionals."

It's expected a new scanner will be up and running by the fall.

Last year, health-care staff at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital used the CT scanner on more than 7,500 patients.

The hospital serves about 60,000 people in Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties.