KITIMAT - New CT Suite

Currently there is no local CT services at the Kitimat General Hospital. Time sensitive conditions are diagnosed with a CT machine. Urgent CT exams require costly ground or air ambulance transportation while no-urgent CT exams require significant travel time and cost. Lack of local CT limits the physician decision-making process as well as their ability to provide appropriate interventions. In rural settings, inter-facility transfers must be weighed in regard to the risks of transport over great distances, delayed diagnosis, treatment and costs.

Northern Health Authority (NHA) biomedical team has reviewed the possible locations of a new CT Suite within the diagnostic imaging department. The idea is to take over the existing Fluoroscopy Room, Chief Technologist office, and possible file storage area. This location will require renovations to meet the needs of a CT Suite. All facility services will be affected with adding a piece of equipment this large. Staff workflow and patient direction during construction is a concern.

The CT equipment will be supplied by GE Healthcare. Currently the model NHA wants to install is the Revolution Maxima. NHA needs to design a CT Suite to meet GE requirements and function within one of the existing Hospitals. Once the design is approved NHA will upon a Class D estimate that will assist with project funding requirements.