New CT Scanner for WCGH

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Port Alberni will soon have a stand-alone, state-of-the-art CT Scanner according to Island Health.

In the past, patients faced long waits and travel for these specialized scans, and the new equipment allows for greater cardiac and neurology applications.

Radiologist Dr. Brent Carson says local diagnostics will now be on par with the larger hospitals on the island.

“What this scanner also brings to the table is that it will allow us, finally, to provide state-of-the-art stroke imaging for the patients of the Alberni Valley, and bring up the standard level of care relative to the rest of the island,” he said.

Island Health announced the $2.2 million project yesterday, with $1.2 million from the Ministry of Health, $800,000 from the Alberni Clayoquot Regional Hospital District, and $170,000 from Island Health.

Last year, a total of 5,809 CT scans were conducted at West Coast General Hospital, averaging approximately 447 scans per month.

The new, more efficient equipment will allow the hospital to perform almost 9000 CT scans annually, with an average of around 665 scans each month.

Renovations to the radiology department are now underway, and they plan to open the new facility by the end of next month.