August 15, 2007
Siemens SOMATOM Emotion 16-slice CT scan machine.
Long-awaited CT Scanner expected in spring of ‘08
YKHC has received the necessary funding authorizations from the Rasmuson Foundation and the Denali Commission to purchase a CT Scanner. The Computed Tomography (CT) machine has been a top priority of the YKHC Board of Directors and the Tribal Gathering Conference delegates for ten years.
Computed Tomography is a medical imaging method using digital geometry processing. It generates a three-dimensional image of the insides of an object—or a person or body part. The word “tomography” is derived from the Greek tomos (slice) and graphein (to write). It is an important tool in medical imaging in the diagnosis of disease and also can be used in preventative medicine screening.
Annually, nearly 2,000 CT scan studies are conducted on patients who now must travel to Anchorage for care that could otherwise be treated in Bethel. These studies are a routine standard of care in imaging department services in every Alaska facility that serves a similar volume of patients as YKHC.
Installation of the Siemens SOMATOM Emotion 16 Slice Configuration CT Scanner is expected to occur in the spring of 2008.
“By reducing the delays to patient care, and with the savings in patient travel and the associated expenses of the medevacs with the advent this of long-awaited imaging capability in Bethel, we will enhance the ability to fully address the entire age spectrum from infant to geriatric in health care delivery. This is tremendous.” said Dr. Ellen Hodges, Acting Chief of Staff.
Gene Peltola, YKHC CEO/President said, “With the help of the Rasmuson Foundation and the Denali Commission, a critical barrier to care for our people will be lifted. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Tribal Gathering delegates and the entire YKHC staff, I thank and very much appreciate the efforts of the visionary people of these two organizations for ensuring a healthy future for Alaska.”
The design phase of the space renovation/construction is underway with actual construction within the hospital to begin in late 2007 with all design, remodeling, construction and CT equipment costs totaling almost $1.2 million.