The South Bruce Grey Health Centre’s Walkerton hospital site is opening up its newly renovated mammography suite, featuring upgraded equipment and technology.
A release notes, the new Seno Pristina Digital Mammography System, from GE Healthcare, comes with modern technology to provide the opportunity for program enhancements.
These include a 3D anatomical view as well as the injection of x-ray dye through an IV, allowing the blood vessels to be highlighted.
The new unit is replacing the previous equipment which was in place since 2008.
On top of providing the latest technology, the machine also has features to improve the comfort and accessibility for patients and staff, including a heating surface and rounded edges.
Since Aug. 21, the Walkerton hospital mammography program has been closed in order to complete the renovations to increase the size of the suite, and hold the new equipment.
While decommissioned, mammograms were scheduled for patients at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre Kincardine site.
The $485,000 mammography project price point was supported by the Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation.
Mammography Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs Sharon Kramer-Dales and Janice Swanton say the members of the Walkerton Hospital Foundation’s Mammography Campaign are proud to support the purchase of the new mammography machine for the local hospital.
“Although the new machine has now been installed, we are still in the process of raising funds to meet our financial commitment of $485,000. We are very privileged to have such a strong community support system that continues to allow us to provide our hospital with the most up-to-date essential equipment,” says Kramer-Dales and Swanton.
South Bruce Grey Health Centre President and CEO Michael Barrett adds, the advanced technology of the machine and the many new features that it offers, will enhance the care for patients, and make it easier for their diagnostic team to provide the level care they have always provided.
“We are proud to have this new piece of equipment in our hospital, and grateful for the significant contribution of the Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation to support this important service for the Walkerton community and surrounding area,” says Barrett.
Over 2,000 mammogram’s have been performed annually at the Walkerton hospital, as the facility supports the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the Breast Assessment Program.
