Island Health adds leading-edge diagnostic technologies, thanks to community support

||| FROM LAURA MORONEY for ISLAND HEALTH |||

Island Health’s Diagnostic Imaging (DI) team recently launched several new technologies after receiving funds from the Island Health Foundation’s Annual Gala of Hope in April. The Heartstrings Raise-the-Paddle Appeal brought in $328,000, specifically earmarked for diagnostic technologies, including upgrades to mammography, MRI monitors and portable X-ray detectors.

Island Health’s mammography technology, Hologic® Clarity HD+, now offers the latest technology and resolution allowing:

•   More details through sharper, smoother images

•    Reduced radiation doses and less time under compression for patients

•    Expedited reading times by the radiology team

 Island Health CEO Elise Cutter called the technologies beneficial to both patient and provider.

“Not only are we proud to offer the latest technology to our community, but we’ve worked hard to make doing the right thing for your health, the easy thing,” Cutter said. “Island Health’s patient portal offers easy self-scheduling for screening mammograms.”

 The Foundation Gala funds also helped secure a new MRI vitals monitor. With this equipment, Island Health can continue quality care for patients who are seriously ill and need continuous monitoring, requiring an MRI.

Diagnostic Imaging Manager Lisa Lee said the new innovation will increase workflow and create a more efficient environment.

“In the past, patients requiring this type of procedure would need to be transferred to another facility. This new monitor is lightweight and portable, enabling swift transport in an emergent situation,” she said. “Most importantly, this technology allows Island Health to keep care close to home for critical patients.”

The third technology funded by the Foundation and a generous donation from HF Sinclair, is a new portable X-ray detector that offers reduced radiation exposure to patients and better image resolution. Using AI-software, the Smart DSI Shimadzu X-ray platform can identify foreign bodies to help providers make informed and efficient treatment decisions.

Additionally, Island Health’s DI team has streamlined and improved access to and sharing of patient images in digital format. Nuance PowerShare Image Sharing replaces the need for mailing or hand carrying disks by allowing providers and patients to receive diagnostic images (X-rays, MRI’s) more quickly from Island Health.

Finally, Island Health now offers low-dose CT (LDCT) lung screenings to enable early detection of lung cancer, before symptoms may occur, by identifying small nodules or other abnormalities in the lungs.

Island Health CEO Elise Cutter is grateful to the Island Health Foundation for helping to bring the latest and greatest technologies to the community.

“As a public hospital district, our commitment is to provide the best care for those we serve in a timely, efficient manner. We greatly appreciate the support from the Island Health Foundation and our community for these new technologies.”

To schedule a diagnostic test, such as a mammogram, X-ray, CT scan, MRI or ultrasound, call 369.299.1315 or visit islandhealth.org/di for more details.