Collingwood hospital deploys state-of-the-art CT

COLLINGWOOD, Ont. – Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH) has announced the installation of a state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. After two months of renovations to accommodate this advanced technology, CGMH is now among the first hospitals in Canada to offer this cutting-edge equipment.

The new CT scanner – a high-powered Canon Aquilion – delivers enhanced resolution, faster scan times, reduced radiation exposure, and a more patient-friendly design, all with the goal of improving patient outcomes. This upgrade replaces the hospital’s original CT scanner, which had been used for over a decade.

“Having access to more detailed information will help our healthcare team make accurate diagnoses, allowing CGMH patients to begin the right treatment journey as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Murray Miller, CGMH’s chief of radiology.

The new CT scanner is the second major imaging upgrade at CGMH this year, following the successful installation of a new X-ray and fluoroscopy machine in September.

These advancements are part of a broader initiative to enhance the hospital’s diagnostic imaging services, which also includes the upcoming arrival of CGMH’s first Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, scheduled to be operational in the fall of 2025.

Key features of the new CT scanner include:
Increased Patient Comfort:

• The new scanner boasts an innovative design, featuring a larger 80 cm patient area, built-in positioning cameras, smart touch screen controls, and a Tech Assist lateral slide to ensure quick and comfortable patient setup.

Faster Service:

• The scanner enables rapid, safe, and efficient imaging for exams of all complexities, addressing the demands of a busy hospital environment.

User-Friendly Design:

• With intuitive, automated workflows and advanced hardware, the CT scanner provides an improved user experience for medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and radiologists, facilitating easier operation and faster readings.

Enhanced Clinical Efficiency:

• Fully equipped for high-throughput environments, including trauma and oncology settings, regardless of patient or condition.
• Provides sharp, clear images for all body regions, optimized for high-quality lung cancer screening.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of this state-of-the-art CT scanner, a major step forward in our commitment to delivering the highest quality care to our patients,” says Michael Lacroix, CGMH president and CEO. “This cutting-edge technology will not only enhance the precision and speed of diagnoses but also improve patient outcomes by allowing us to detect and treat conditions more efficiently.

“Our continued investment in advanced medical innovations ensures that our community has access to the most up-to-date care available. This is another milestone in our mission to provide compassionate, exceptional healthcare for all.”

CGMH extends its deepest gratitude to our community and the CGMH Foundation for their generous support in raising the funding necessary to make this new CT scanner a reality. Their contributions have been essential in equipping our hospital with the latest technology, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of our patients and provide the highest quality care.

On a related note, the Ontario government is investing up to $95.5 million to build a new Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, connecting more people and families in Collingwood and South Georgian Bay communities to more convenient, high-quality care, close to home.

“Our government is making historic investments in Ontario’s hospitals to ensure people of all ages can access the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health. “Our investment to help build a new and improved Collingwood General and Marine Hospital will allow people and families in Collingwood and across South Georgian Bay to have better access to high-quality care in the community, for generations to come.”

This new funding is in addition to the over $15.5 million investment previously provided by the Ontario government to support the early planning for the redevelopment of Collingwood General and Marine Hospital. Detailed planning for a brand-new replacement hospital on a new site will create a larger, state-of-the-art space to expand services and ensure the hospital can continue to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community into the future.

Once opened, this new hospital will include:

• Increased capacity, including up to 132 new beds with 98 total inpatient beds and an additional 34 beds to meet the community’s future needs.
• Enhanced infection prevention and control measures to ensure the health and safety of all patients.
• Expanded access to key services, including intensive care, emergency, diagnostic imaging and operating suites.

The ministry will work with Collingwood General and Marine Hospital to complete detailed planning and design for this project. A construction schedule will be confirmed once future planning is complete and the project is tendered and awarded.