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Maija Hoggett Breaking News

Tottenham's Kathleen McAllister was the first person to make use of the new CT scanner at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston Monday, with GE Healthcare applications specialist David McDougall and Natalie Simard performing the scan.

Alliston CT scanner open for business

First patient scanned Monday at Stevenson Memorial

BY Maija Hoggett, Staff June 16, 2009 08:06

Stevenson Memorial Hospital is 1,999 people away from meeting its target for the new CT scanner.

Yesterday (Monday) afternoon Tottenham's Kathleen McAllister was the first person to get a CT scan at the Alliston hospital.

Experiencing dizziness and problems with the back of her head, McAllister visited her doctor a few weeks ago and was told she needed a CT scan.

Up until recently, area patients needing a scan were referred to hospitals in Barrie, Newmarket or Orangeville for the procedure. Now they are being booked into Stevenson Memorial's facility.

With the opening of Stevenson Memorial's scanner, diagnostic imaging manager Angela Trevivian said the goal is to serve 2,000 patients this year.

"It's fantastic, we get up here in 20 minutes," said McAllister, who was at the appointment with her two granddaughters for support.

CT technician Natalie Simard and GE Healthcare applications specialist David McDougall guided McAllister through the short procedure.

After the scan, McAllister said it was fine and she enjoyed the creativity on the ceiling above the scanner.

"I looked up and it was all palm trees and sky, it was beautiful," said McAllister.

The groundbreaking for the 1,637 square foot CT scanner facility was held in February. At that time, the goal was to have the facility open and the first patient through by the end of June.

"We're bang on time, everything is on schedule," said Annette Jones, SMH vice president. "There's been an incredible amount of work by everyone."

SMH staff will be receiving training on the equipment by staff from Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket. An announcement about a radiologist for Stevenson Memorial is also expected soon.

The CT scanner is located on the upper level of the hospital, just past the ambulance entrance.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care approved the project last June and the SMH Foundation has been fundraising for it.

The $2.2 million project will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be available for emergency scans after hours for head injuries.

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