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New ultrasound arrives PDF Print E-mail

The phrase, “having an ultrasound,” usually makes one think of pregnant women getting those special first images of a yet-to-be-born baby. However, there are many more reasons why someone may need an ultrasound exam which uses sound waves (and not radiation like an x-ray)  to visualize tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs.

Each year at GGH, 12,000 patients have ultrasound tests and thanks to donor funds, a new, state-of-the-art ultrasound unit was purchased from the annual proceeds of the Foundation’s Endowment Fund.

These reasons could include suspected blood clots, suspected breast cysts or cancer, abdominal pain, shoulder, knee or ankle injuries. It can also be used to check on the health of the bladder, uterus and ovaries, and prostate. 

“That Fund is our savings account, our fund for the future,” explained the Foundation’s Executive Director, Suzanne Bone. “We don’t touch our savings, but each year ,about 3.5% of the value is available for equipment for our Hospital.”

This past year, that amounted to $170,000, which was just enough for the urgently needed new machine. 

The new ultrasound replaced a 12-year-old unit.

“The image quality is vastly improved and there are a number of new benefits for patients and staff,” said Mike Sharma, Director of Diagnostic Imaging. “For instance, scan time is shorter which means less discomfort for patients and a shorter wait-time. The need for repeat scans in complex cases is decreased because of the enhanced image quality and the deeper penetration of the sound waves.”   

There are also a number of features that make the machine a favourite among staff. For example, many of its functions can be activated by voice command.   

There’s an extra twist to the happy ending to this story. Not only does GGH get its new machine, but also the old one was donated to Kijabe Hospital in Kenya.  As it happens, one of GGH’s radiologists, Dr. Joshua Tjong, recently left to spend a year volunteering there.  

Anyone interested in learning more about the Endowment Fund can call the Foundation office at 519-837-6422.