Hospital Celebrates Advances in Diagnostic Imaging

Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) will join healthcare facilities around the world marking Diagnostic Imaging Week with a campaign that begins today at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). The week recognizes the vital work provided by diagnostic imaging professionals and commemorates the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in November of 1895. This year’s theme, “One Goal, One Passion,” reflects a fundamental principle of the profession: providing quality and safe patient care.

“This campaign highlights what makes diagnostic imaging so unique,” said Renee Butterfield, Manager of DI. “Our staff members are experienced in a highly technical field, possess specialized skills and are certified and licensed to use state-of-the-art equipment. We are very much on the front line of patient care.”

Diagnostic Imaging comprises seven modalities, including Bone Densitometry, Computerised Axial Tomography (CT scans), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-ray, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound.

Tracey Sampson, Senior Imaging Technologist said, “Tremendous advances have occurred in the field over the past twenty years. DI Week provides an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of quality imaging services and how it impacts healthcare in our community.”

One of the newest advances for the DI Department is the installation of a 128 slice CT scanner, purchased with funds donated from the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda (HAB). This state-of-the-art technology is changing the face of imaging by scanning the whole body in seconds and providing incredibly sharp 3D images of any organ.

“A decade ago, most images were produced using a wet processor,” Ms. Butterfield adds. “Several improvements in the field have been achieved over the past twenty years. The hospital has introduced a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment. Our new 128-slice CT scanner will be ready for screening patients next month. These achievements mean more accurate diagnostic tools, a faster and more efficient means of transferring information and improved patient care. This week celebrates how far our profession has progressed.”

Activities for the week will include a display at KEMH, an Open House and Information Booth on Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the hospital lobby, student tours of the department and four morning in-service sessions for staff members.

Notes to Editors:
Diagnostic care is an essential part of treating patients. BHB has a full range of diagnostic services for testing and screening illness and injuries that are dedicated to improving care while minimising risks to the patient.
• Bone Density Tests use X-rays to measure how much calcium and other bone minerals are present in a segment of bone. The test can determine whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it before you break any bones.
• Computed Tomography (CAT) Scans have become the preferred method of imaging many diseases of the bowel, colon, liver, spleen and other organs. The CT Scanner is a large, specialised X-ray machine that takes a series of digital images as the patient moves through a hole in the centre of the machine. The resulting images are computer processed to show cross sections of the body’s tissues and organs.
• Digital Radiography (X-Ray), the first form of medical imaging technology, continues to be an extremely useful diagnostic tool.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) combines radio waves, a powerful electromagnet and computer software to create images of soft tissue without using radiation. MRI can often diagnose and assess certain diseases earlier than is possible with other diagnostic techniques.
• Mammography has become an essential tool for the detection of breast cancer before it has had time to spread to other parts of the body. The breast is compressed and x-rayed to reveal abnormal-looking masses that can then be biopsied using fine needle aspiration or stereotactic breast biopsy a minimally invasive procedure that uses mammography to pinpoint the location of a tumour.
• Nuclear Medicine involves the use of a small amount of radioactive tracers for both diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The scan provides information about how a particular organ is functioning and is useful in evaluating the functioning of kidneys, thyroid glands and gallbladders as well as indicating the presence or spread of certain cancers.

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