The diagnostic imaging capabilities at Chatham-Kent’s hospital have been significantly enhanced thanks to the generosity of the local community.
Officials with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) unveiled a newly installed fluoroscopy machine and suite during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at CKHA’s Chatham site on Wednesday.
The purchase and installation of the advanced diagnostic equipment was made possible through a successful fundraising campaign led by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF).
A fluoroscopy machine provides real-time, moving X-ray images, essential for diagnosing illnesses, guiding medical procedures, and ensuring accurate treatment plans. It is used to assist in everything from stroke and cancer diagnosis to gastrointestinal, orthopedic and vascular procedures.
“We do a lot of procedural-type of work in that room, but also when that is not occurring, it gives us the ability to do standard, routine radiographic imaging — chest x-rays, the broken bones and the fractures — and be able to assess patients that way,” said Stacey Speer, CKHA’s chief of radiology.
She said the dual nature of the diagnostic equipment makes it the only one of its kind in Canada.
“It gives us the opportunity to invest in one room to be able to maximize what we do with that room. So every day, all day, essentially 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., that room is going to be in action,” said Speer. “We’re going to be able to see a high volume of patients all through the week.”
Speer added that the new equipment also provides a unique training tool for post-secondary students, and it can be a boon for staff recruitment.
“It’s harder to recruit physicians or even medical radiation technologists without state-of-the-art equipment. So this is going to be a very sellable feature. It’s going to be a way that we can showcase the benefit of Chatham,” said Speer.
The fundraising campaign for the $1 million fluoroscopy machine kicked off on December 3, 2024 through the foundation’s Giving Tuesday initiative. Additional proceeds from the CKHAF Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50/50 were also earmarked for the purchase of the vital imaging equipment.
As well, a $100,000 triple-matching gift from community philanthropists Bill and Mary Dorssers inspired a wave of generosity.
According to the CKHAF, more than fluoroscopy exams were performed at Chatham-Kent’s hospital in 2023.
