By Times Chronicle Staff
Patients in the South Okanagan will benefit from a new CT Scanner at the Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) representing the latest state-of-the-art technology and the first of its kind in Canada.
The scanner has been in operation for six weeks now and caps the “triumphant” completion of the CT Scanner projects, according to the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of long-time supporter Peters Bros., who generously donated $1.7 million, and the unwavering support of our vibrant community, this $3 million state-of-the-art machine, is now operational,” the SOS Medical Foundation said.
“This remarkable achievement underscores the power of community collaboration in shaping the future of healthcare,” said Ian Lindsay, the new (since Nov. 1) CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation.
The new Siemens CT Scanner at Penticton Regional Hospital.
The foundation noted that the new machine will bring benefits to patients from 16 Interior Health facilities in the six Okanagan-Similkameen communities – Princeton, Keremeos, Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton and Summerland – served by the non-profit society.
The existing CT Scanner is currently undergoing maintenance, and will be fully operational in 2024 meaning PRH will have two operational machines.
The SOS Medical Foundation has highlighted a number of benefits of the new CT Scanner including increased speed, accuracy and lower ionizing radiation doses.
The new Siemens’ CT Scanner also leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the scanner intelligently detecting anatomy and calculating contrast medium requirements based on patient weight, resulting in a more precise diagnoses, according to the foundation.
A larger gantry hole and lower table caters to patients with limited mobility, increasing accessibility and comfort.
