A technological advancement is dramatically improving services for Haida Gwaii residents requiring x-ray imaging.The imaging departments at Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital a in Masset and at QCI General Hospital in Queen Charlotte have made the switch from film to computer imaging, with the installation of Computed Radiography Systems (CR 30X digitizers).Patients will benefit from high-quality images, and radiologists will have faster access to those images. The upgrade will also reduce the need for physicians to take follow-up images, and for x-ray results to be physically transported to physicians’ offices, as doctors will now be able to receive and view the images electronically. An end to chemical film processing also benefits diagnostic imaging staff, and the environment.”Along with the benefit to patients and existing staff, we can also offer a more up-to-date work environment at our Haida Gwaii imaging departments,” said Sheila Gordon-Payne, health services administrator for Northern Health. “This makes them that much more appealing to the skilled individuals that Northern Health is continually working to recruit.”The imaging departments at the two facilities each take approximately 1,500 x-rays each year.The total combined cost of the projects to update the two imaging departments is approximately $200,000, including new equipment and minor renovations to each department. Funding partners include the Government of British Columbia (through its capital allocation to Northern Health) and the Northwest Regional Hospital District.
