Mixed views on choice of CT scanner for Kincardine hospital

To the Editor:
RE: "Doctors, readers respond, regarding choice of CT scanner at Kincardine hospital"

My utmost respect goes out to our long-term physicians and our new physicians for voicing their concerns over the choice of CT scanner for the Kincardine hospital.

Unfortunately, it has been an ongoing battle over the past two decades by Kincardine physicians in fighting to maintain quality health care in Kincardine.

We are fortunate to have such dedicated doctors and medical staff.

Neil Geoghegan
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

There has been much action around the purchase of a CT scanner in Kincardine. Some of the feedback is that although the South Bruce Grey Health Centre board of directors, using Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation funds, has agreed to purchase a Siemens Edge Plus scanner, it is a contradiction to the wants of many residents.

The hospital board did not come to this decision lightly. The members spent much time, thought and discussion before they made the decision to purchase the Edge Plus over the Drive. The pros and cons of many different makes, models and companies would have been pursued regarding technology, use and cost, to name a few.

There has been a lot of feedback from individuals who have said that they will no longer support the Kincardine hospital unless the Drive is the purchased unit. That is a like a spoiled kid in a department store who throws a temper tantrum if he doesn’t get the toy he wants. This is most unfortunate, but it is your decision.

It is not the decision of the board and although it is accountable to John Q Public, it will not be held ransom over its decision. It is too bad that you feel that threatening to not make a donation will sway the purchase. Not to worry, even though you have withdrawn your support, you will still be treated with dignity and respect when you enter the hospital.

Dr. Gerard Shoemaker, B.Sc, MD, FRCPC, is a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Western University. He has privileges at Kincardine Hospital and has been coming to Kincardine since 2016. In the past four years, alone, he has seen more than 2,000 patients but ordered only five to 10 CT scans of the heart. Dr. Gary Gurbin did not invite him to the to recent Kincardine council meeting as Dr. Shoemaker has indicated that the model chosen does not matter to him as both are acceptable.

Incidentally, Dr. Gurbin had Dr. Raymond Yee, B.Md.Sc, MD, FRCPC, FHRS, professor in cardiology at Western University, weigh in with his insights at that council meeting. Dr. Yee does not have privileges at Kincardine. He admitted that his specialty is in pacemakers, something which can be done only in London, not in Kincardine or even Walkerton. So, although his expertise is valuable, it is less so in a rural setting.

The choice of the Siemens unit (Edge Plus) passed by the hospital board is unique in that it is the first of its kind in Canada. Although there are 53 units in the United States, it is new, leading-edge technology for Canada.

Rest assured, Siemens wants to sell this unit to other sites. The company will not be wanting down-time or poor staff reports so will go out of its way to make sure that the unit is working at its optimum. Siemens needs only positive feedback. Its reputation and future sales will depend on it.

Radiation dosage was mentioned by some. All ionizing radiation units are governed under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARP Act), Regulation 543, as mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Each and every unit is shut down and inspected every six months to make sure that the dosage emitted falls under the pre-determined standards. The dosage in the Edge Plus falls well within these standards.

I stand behind, and endorse, the hospital board’s decision in purchasing a Siemens Edge Plus unit.

Respectfully submitted,
Eleanor A. Roppel, R.T.(R)
Retired supervisor – Diagnostic Imaging
Kincardine site
South Bruce Grey Health Centre