New CT Scanner for QEII Health Sciences Centre

A new multi-detector CT scanner for the QEII Health Sciences Centre will ensure patients from all over Nova Scotia receive better care sooner.

Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson announced today, July 17, the province will provide $1.2 million towards the cost of a state-of-the-art scanner.

"The QEII is Nova Scotia's busiest hospital, serving patients from all over our province and teaching our next generation of doctors and nurses," said Mr. Wilson. "This new CT scanner will reduce wait times by serving 20 per cent more patients than the current unit, ensuring Nova Scotians continue to receive good, timely care."

The new multi-detector CT scanner, which will also serve patients from the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, will replace an outdated unit and will improve imaging capacity at the QEII's Victoria General site. It will be used by patients, like Marina Bondar, who need studies related to pulmonary embolisms, cancer, and ear, nose and throat issues.

A year ago today, Ms. Bondar went to the QEII's emergency department after noticing a drop in her energy levels. A CT scan would reveal her diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.

"I was ready to die," said Ms. Bondar, as she reflected on her diagnosis last summer. "I thought I would live for five to six months. However, thanks to the care at the QEII, I now have hope, and I am enjoying my life with my daughter and grandson."

Ms. Bondar shared her story during today's announcement, and talked about the importance of having access to the best health care.

"Due to the limited capabilities of the current CT scanner on the Victoria General site, many of our patients are transferred to the Halifax Infirmary site for imaging," says Dr. David Barnes, district chief of diagnostic imaging. "The new CT scanner will allow our technologists to perform a full array of high-quality imaging examinations on site for all of our patients. This means a more timely and efficient patient experience."

The total cost of the scanner is about $1.6 million. The province will pay for 75 per cent, with the remaining funding coming from the QEII Foundation. The province will continue to fund operating costs of the scanner once it is functional.

"Our job is to help ensure patients at the QEII Health Sciences Centre receive the best care possible," said Bill Bean, president and CEO of the QEII Foundation. "Thanks to donors, patients will not only have access to the best imaging with the new CT scanner, it will also happen faster."

Over 6,000 patients use the QEII's CT scanner each year. The new machine is expected to be in place by March.