Souris Hospital gets new diagnostic imaging service

The Souris Hospital in eastern P.E.I. has a new $400,000 digital radiology suite.

The new equipment emits a smaller dose of radiation to the patient, said the province in a news release, meaning it is safer and provides technologists with a better view of the patient during testing.

A new elevating table is also more user-friendly, making procedures more comfortable for patients.

"This latest addition in diagnostic imaging will result in enhanced patient safety and better access to critical health services that Islanders depend on," said Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson.

According to the province, there were 1,747 X-ray procedures done at the Souris Hospital in 2015-16, and it anticipates the new, more efficient technology will increase that number.

The new equipment was purchased by the Eastern Kings Health Foundation and the province.

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"The provincial government has invested nearly $1 million in diagnostic imaging technology since 2015 in partnership with Island hospital foundations," said the news release including the new CT scanner at the Prince County Hospital and new digital X-ray suites at Western Hospital and Community Hospital O'Leary.

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