HEALTH. After having to work with a mobile device since last spring, Coaticook Hospital’s medical imaging technicians are finally finding a state-of-the-art platform.
The new equipment, purchased by the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS for $465,000, arrived at the health facility’s premises on Rue Jeanne-Mance in mid-August. “It completely changes the everyday life of the workers in this department,” says department manager Josiane Tremblay. We must first remember that the system we had was safe and reliable. Unfortunately he passed away at the beginning of the year. Therefore, quick action was required to continue offering these services in Coaticook. »
Within just one day, the department got its hands on a so-called mobile device. “We could do the same thing we did before,” Ms. Tremblay said. The only difference is that we were somewhat limited in the different exam places. Unfortunately, we sometimes had to transfer our clients to Sherbrooke or even Magog so that we could take a specific x-ray. That’s part of the past. Everything can be done here, in Coaticook, as before. »
The news obviously pleases medical imaging technician Stéphane Falardeau, who is responsible for the Coaticook site. Especially since the device should not arrive until the beginning of 2024. “It was eagerly awaited by the team,” he says.
We understand his good humor, especially when we consider that between 7,500 and 8,000 X-rays are taken in Coaticook each year. In fact, three out of four patients who visit the emergency room use these services. The others come from the Frontières Family Medicine Group or at the request of a doctor who can practice almost anywhere in the province.
No new arrangements were required in the radiology room to install the device. “We were fortunate to have a large space,” notes Mr. Falardeau.
The new devices are even more accessible for people with limited mobility as the table can be “lowered very low”. “We no longer have to look for small steps to help certain patients,” explains the technologist.
The technological aspect is also praised by these health professionals. “We gain enormous speed because the X-ray images appear on the computer in just three seconds. Previously, you had to wait between a minute and a minute and a half to see the result. We worked with a phosphor cartridge developer. It was a lot of manipulation. We often take more than one, so the new approach saves us time. This is very good news for patients,” concludes Stéphane Falardeau.