Corner Brook -
Dr. Gavin White says western Newfoundland needs to support the Western Regional Hospital Foundation's annual radiothon this weekend because the new diagnostic imaging equipment it will buy shall make the department in Corner Brook more efficient.
That, said the radiologist at Western Memorial, is good news for staff and the general public alike.
Radiothon 2009 is the major fund-raiser for the hospital foundation's case for support this year, which is a suite of new ultrasound and fundamental diagnostic equipment valued at $623,100.
"I think it's up to everybody in the region to donate whatever they can, whether that's a large amount or a small amount, because this is your machine," said White. "We are here to operate it, but it will be here for you, your parents, your kids and your relatives."
The hospital foundation's wish list includes a general purpose ultrasound machine, as well as ultrasound units for the main operating room and for the emergency room. The money will also be spent on video gastroscopes and colonoscopes, as well as boom arms and monitors for the operating rooms.
Western Memorial currently has five ultrasound machines, three of them used for general purposes and two used specifically for diagnosing cardiac issues.
White said the general ultrasound is the most important piece since it will be useful for people of all ages with a wide variety of medical issues.
"The general ultrasound machine is the most useful thing we have, but we need more of them," said White. "We have X-ray, CT and MRI, but he ultrasound is a live examination that is quick and one where you can make a diagnosis right away."
There are hardly any waiting lists for CT scans or to get an MRI examination done, but their results have to be generated and then analyzed. Wait times for ultrasound, on the other hand, can be as long as 30 weeks.
"This one machine will make a big difference in bringing down the waiting list," said White.
The new machines won't feature any new diagnostic parameters, but they will have coloured images which will provide superior resolution.
"You're still able to get a diagnosis no problem with the older machines, but you may have to look a little harder," said White. "With the new machines, everything is crystal clear and more user-friendly. We'll be able to get through more patients in the same amount of time."
The radiothon will be broadcast live on CFCB radio from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Pledges can be made by calling 634-3111 or by dropping into the radio station on O'Connell Drive during the broadcast.
