November 15, 2006
The Radiology Department is fully staffed for the first time. Back Row: Brad Otto, Nina Menegak & Greta Warner. Front and middle: Deanna Burrows, Donna Berezkin, Louise Reed, Ronnie Fitzpatrick, Jackie Renfro, Merrilyn Blackmore and Sue Miller. Not pictured: (evening shift staff) Myra Sipary, Wyndi Adams and Brenda Walker.
by Louise Reed, RTR, RDMS, Director of Diagnostic Imaging
What does it take to turn a 26-year-old room with old equipment into something beautiful?
That’s what has been happening in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital the past couple months and we can definitely tell you that it takes a concerted effort on the part of multiple departments and staff to make this a smooth transition.
It started with research for the best equipment and included our contract manager, Administration, Finance and Materials Management departmentsin the ordering, shipping/receiving and payment of the x-ray equipment. Technology staff were involved in moving and setting up our computers, phone and image scanning machines and Maintenance staff helped remove the old x-ray machine and overhead tubes; no small feat, with equipment that totaled over 5,000 pounds.
Then came the asbestos abatement team to remove all the old flooring and the contaminants it contained. Our Capital Projects, Construction and Maintenance crews next moved in to remove old apparatus that penetrated walls and connected to adjacent rooms. Walls were patched and main power electrical was moved into position for the new equipment. Plumbing was installed for the sink and the walls were finished and painted with “Heather Frost”—a beautiful light lavender color chosen by the Radiography staff who would soon work in the room.
New flooring was installed and waxed multiple times by our Housekeeping staff to give it a protective and shining surface. The new X-ray machine was brought in from storage in our warehouse and installed by Advanced Diagnostic, Inc. Engineers. That took 7 days.
The X-ray machine is a Shimadzu. It is state-of-the-art technology that will take our staff a few weeks of use to feel comfortable with. The new table already has proved to be a wonderful tool as it electronically lowers to about 20 inches from the floor for safe access by our patients, especially children and the elderly.
Diagnostic Imaging Staff would like to thank all those involved in remodeling and installation for this beautiful new room. The pride each worker took in his/her part is evident in the finished product. We expect patient care and staff satisfaction will be at an all-time high working and being cared for in this room. Quyana.