The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority is pleased to advise that a state of the art Computed Tomography Scan, also known as a CT or CAT Scan, is now fully operational at The Pas Health Complex. The CT Scan has been in place and functioning in The Pas since early October. With funding approval received from Manitoba Health to obtain a CT Scan in 2001, NOR-MAN RHA put a great deal of effort into planning, renovation, and education in preparation for the scanner. "In our drive to improve health care the Manitoba government is directing a great deal of attention to the upgrading and improving of medical equipment so medical staff and patients have access to the most up-to-date equipment available," said Oscar Lathlin, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs on behalf of Health Minister Dave Chomiak. "At the same time, we want to improve access to diagnostic tests and services for all residents of the province, regardless where they live." Dr. Debbie Mabin is the radiologist for NOR-MAN RHA and said she has been eagerly anticipating working with a CT Scan here in the north. "A CT Scan is a large computerized x-ray device that takes multiple cross-sectional images of the body. The images that the CT scan produces are far more detailed than x-ray films and can easily reveal disease or abnormalities in body tissue or bones in early stages. A scanner works on a three-dimensional level, examining the surface of the body, the tissues, and then the core. Such a complex and complete approach allows the physician the opportunity to look at the entire area surrounding a health problem in a patient." "These days, having a scan is a very short procedure. Most scans are done in a matter of seconds," said Dr. Mabin. She continued, saying that having a scan is non-invasive, and is conducted by herself and two technologists. Dr. Mabin is confident that with this scanner in place, the vast majority of CT scan needs to be addressed in Winnipeg. "We are planning on scanning upwards of 3000 patients a year," said Dr. Mabin. She is optimistic that health care costs will be reduced due to having a CT Scan in the region. "It is certainly a savings not having people travel a great distance for scans." Drew Lockhart, CEO, noted, "The Computed Tomography Scan is a tremendous improvement in diagnostic services for all residents of the NOR-MAN Region." Lockhart added that residents will not only benefit from more timely access to diagnostic testing but also from physicians having better information and it being more readily available. "The addition of the CT Scan is the most significant improvement in health services for this region in the past ten years," concluded Lockhart.
