Two hundred and seventy three patients have been examined using the two new multi-detector Computerised Tomography (CT) scanners at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital since 30 March 2011.
The 124 and 64 slice scanners that were delivered on 4 March were purchased as part of the revitalisation project at the hospital. The scanners are fast, reliable and are boosting service delivery at the hospital.
Radiographers and doctors have received comprehensive training on how to operate the new CT scanners as well as on the work stations where they view and report on the scans. The training is ongoing to equip more health specialists at the hospital.
The service provided has deployed a technician to be on site every day since the installation to provide technical support for the staff.
These new scanners will improve the scan environment of both patients and staff as they are:
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Able to scan the entire body in one breath-hold. They are able to capture a beating heart and watch it in real-time. Each examination performed is done in the shortest time possible with the least amount of dose applied to the patient. The images produced are of the highest quality, providing the perfect platform for the highly trained Radiologists, to perform advanced diagnoses.
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Able to see details down to one third of a millimetre (well below one millimetre).
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Body or organs can be virtually sliced or cut in any way as the body is scanned in a 3D volume.
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Can reduce X-ray dose significantly, particularly important in children and young women. To make today’s cardiac CT examinations even safer, the radiation dose to the patient will be lowered by up to 75% compared to conventional scanners.
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They are not claustrophobic - wide open ring, not a tunnel.
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The advanced design of the CT scanners allows for patient examinations to be completed very quickly and efficiently, greatly improving the patient through put through the X-ray department. Thus more patients will receive the essential services of the CT department.
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The overall patient friendly design of the CT scanners, namely the large gantry opening, wide and comfortable patient couch, together with the short examination times and lose dose scan techniques provide a safe and comfortable scanning environment for the patients.
The scanners are also amongst other things capable of allowing the operator to monitor the patient’s heart rate prior to the actual examination. The cardiac software automatically sets the optimal scan conditions. This assures the best possible image quality for each and every cardiac examination performed.
The department has prioritised Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital for equipment and R157 million is being spent to equip the hospital.
In addition to the scanners, the hospital has recently received: gastro scope, angiography unit, 3 C arms, mammography unit, 2 bucky X-ray units, pediatric cardiology echo unit, 2 anaesthetic machines and neonatal equipment including humidifiers, incubators, ventilators, radiant warmers and vital sign monitors
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
