Hamilton Health Sciences is currently the only hospital in Canada to have this first computed tomography (CT) scanner of its kind. Newer features provide more functionality, faster processing, and improved image quality. (Pictured: HHS X-ray technologists Erin McCreith and Nicole Koopman acting as patient)
There is excitement in the air at McMaster University Medical Center (MUMC) of Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). The MUMC Diagnostic Imaging Unit (DI) recently welcomed newly refurbished rooms and improved equipment, which are part of HHS’s managed equipment service contract with Siemens Healthineers.
Eric Ricker
The road to complete renovations and improvements took several months. The first of the renovated rooms was completed in the autumn of 2021. Since then, new facilities have been arriving, and more are expected to arrive in stages throughout 2022.
“The staff is very excited to see this massive transformation happen,” says Eric Ricker, DI manager at MUMC. “It gives them a chance to work with some of the state-of-the-art equipment available.”
The first computed tomography scanner of its kind in Canada
A new computed tomography (CT) scanner was installed in June, making HHS the first hospital in Canada to have this type of machine. Newer features provide more functionality, faster processing, and improved image quality.
The new TC scanner
“Being the first hospital in Canada to have this CT machine proves that we value research, innovation and learning when we do equipment replacement,” says Ricker. “The new technology and features allow us to expand our services and keep up to date with the latest trends. Being a showcase for this new facility and allowing our staff and patients to use it is one of the ways HHS stands out as a leading hospital. “
All patients who come to the MUMC, whether adults or pediatricians, will have access to the new CT scan.
“The new machine will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing us to use the latest technology for emergencies and outpatients,” says Nicole Koopman, a TC-registered X-ray technologist.
The machine was built to be patient-centered, providing technologists with a built-in camera and tablets to stay with the patient while setting up the scan.
“When we work with complex and difficult patient cases, we now have a reliable, low-dose scanner to continue to provide our outpatient care,” adds Erin McCreith, also a CT-registered X-ray technologist. “Doctors will also be able to make more accurate diagnoses thanks to higher-quality images.”
Expansion of X-ray capabilities
Katie Martin and Jennifer Wiebe
MUMC’s DI unit also welcomed a new mobile X-ray machine in February 2022. Like the new CT scanner, mobile X-ray also emits a lower dose of radiation.
“The new x-ray will provide the ‘best care for everyone’ by using a much lower radiation dose to acquire a high-quality image,” says Jennifer Wiebe, a registered X-ray technologist. “The images acquired in the new machine are of maximum quality. This helps our radiologists in diagnosing patients. “
Along with a new mobile X-ray machine, a new X-ray room with new equipment also appeared. Technologists say the new machine is easier to use, making day-to-day operations much smoother.
“The new machine is very ergonomic,” says Katie Martin, an X-ray technologist. “The machine is positioned, which means technologists no longer need to move such heavy equipment.”
New ultrasound technology is another novelty in Canada
There are also three new DI ultrasound rooms at the MUMC, which were completed in October 2021. One of the rooms has already received a new ultrasound machine, and two more are expected to arrive by the end of ‘year.
Lisa Neziol, ultrasound technologist
The additional wards create a dedicated space for the growing population of pediatric MUMC patients. Pediatric ultrasound was initially mixed in the adult ultrasound area. There is a growing demand for radiation-free imaging for the pediatric population, so new ultrasound rooms were built to accommodate this need.
The new ultrasound machines will be used to diagnose bladder and kidney abnormalities or the presence of reflux in the urinary tract. “Doing so will provide a more enjoyable experience for the patient without any radiation exposure,” Ricker says.
Better imaging and improved waiting times for patients are also some of the added benefits of this newer technology.
“We will be able to handle more outpatient ultrasound requests, reducing patients’ current waiting times, ”says Tracey Pow-Herrity, MUMC’s senior ultrasound technologist. “The new equipment allows us to stay up to date and offer newer imaging techniques than we could offer before. We can now share additional information with doctors, who can then provide better patient care.”
Making way for new MRI equipment
Renovated ultrasound rooms made room for a new MUMC MRI machine that arrived in May 2022. The installation of the new MRI was covered by local media and social media channels in the world. ‘HHS.
“Some of the new automated MRI features allow you to position patients, set up scans, and rebuild images at a faster rate to improve efficiency and performance,” says Ricker.
The new MRI machines also include “whispering” technology, a big win for younger MUMC patients. “MRI can be strong and intimidating for the patient population,” Ricker says. “The new machine has low noise and a large hole, which will help improve the patient experience. It also has an integrated video system and light coils for better comfort.
Best technology in general for patients
Whether it’s new CT, ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray equipment, HHS is excited to continue its journey of medical equipment services with Siemens Healthineers for the benefit of patients and staff. “Knowing we have reliable equipment and the latest technology is an amazing feeling,” says Ricker. All new equipment will be up and running immediately to help reduce downtime for DI services.