New Equipment, Upgrades for Yarmouth Regional Hospital

CANADA, August 16 - People in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby counties will receive enhanced care with the announcement of a new SPECT/CT scanner for Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

The new scanner will replace the current scanner, which has been in service since March 2013.

“We have a plan to address the challenges Nova Scotians face when trying to access healthcare close to home,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This includes supporting projects that modernize healthcare facilities and equipment to deliver the best care to Nova Scotians, while also attracting the best and brightest healthcare professionals to communities across the province.”

A SPECT/CT, or single-photon emission computed tomography, scanner combines a nuclear medicine scan and a CT scan to create a 3D image that shows precisely how different parts of a patient’s body look and are working, to more clearly identify problems.

The cost of the new scanner will be shared with the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation.

The hospital will also receive funding to upgrade its electrical system to support a new backup generator for the entire facility, as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the emergency department.

Quotes:

“Our diagnostic imaging team is excited to get a new SPECT/CT scanner. It is great to be able to replace our old equipment with a unit that has a fully functional nuclear medicine scanner with a diagnostic CT scanner. The dual purpose will improve our service with a more robust delivery of uninterrupted patient care, especially with the CT capability. This greatly relieves the pressures in the region while creating a better work environment for providers.”
— Dr. Michelle Ong, diagnostic imaging site lead, Yarmouth Regional Hospital

“The foundation is pleased to partner with Nova Scotia Health on the purchase of a new SPECT/CT that will improve diagnostic accuracy. We know how important it is for our healthcare professionals to have access to the latest technology so they can deliver the best care possible. Our work to support our regional hospital would not be possible without the ongoing generosity from our community and for that we are deeply grateful.”
— Ann Jones, board Chair, Yarmouth Hospital Foundation

“The new SPECT/CT scanner will allow for more efficient, uninterrupted care for patients in the region while creating a better work environment for healthcare providers. Improving the experience for patients and providers is an important goal of the upcoming redevelopment of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital emergency department. The health and safety of our patients is dependent on having a robust electrical system to handle the demands of our growing hospital. These upgrades are critical to prepare us for the work ahead.”
— Tanya Nixon, Vice President Operations, Western Zone, Nova Scotia Health

Quick Facts:

• the Yarmouth Regional Hospital Foundation will contribute up to $1.5 million toward the new scanner

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Additional Resources:

News Release – Yarmouth Emergency Department Expansion Update: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/02/23/yarmouth-emergency-department-expansion-update

Action for Health, the government’s strategic plan to improve healthcare: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth

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