More mixed reviews on the Edge Plus CT scanner for Kincardine hospital

To the Editor:

I fully agree that it is very short-sighted to purchase the Edge Plus CT scanner for the Kincardine hospital.

We have zero experience with this machine, no training program, and no maintenance program!

Moreover, we should buy the same as Walkerton hospital; albeit, a newer model would be better. With the experience of the Walkerton technicians, we can maybe share the operating knowledge.

Dave Evans
Kincardine
 

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

I have growing concern regarding the strong opinions about the CT scanner being shared extensively on social media, which are being presented as factual information. 

It is concerning when information that contradicts what certain people are saying, is ignored, and even sometimes removed from public viewing if it does not meet the narrative of the persisting opinions about why the CT drive is necessary and the Edge Plus is unsatisfactory. 

I am confused as to why every knowledgeable and reputable source that does not support the purchase of the Drive is being attempted to be discredited. Without hesitation, the family doctors are being used as the sound and expert opinion as to why the Drive must be purchased, but when the chief of staff, chief radiologist, and the cardiologists who support our community, state otherwise, they are being called liars and/or incompetent, and some people have gone as far as to say they should be removed from their position. 

Although I greatly respect the family doctors in this community, I also do recognize that they, themselves, do not read CT scans - they read a written report that radiologists prepare for them. If the radiologist is confident this machine will provide high-quality images, it does not make sense for the physicians to argue otherwise, as the report the radiologist will type up will look equal. 

Furthermore, it is absolutely shocking to read the ongoing attack of the hospital CEO and board, again - because they disagree about the selected model of a piece of equipment. Presumably, the majority of these people have no further knowledge about the leadership, skills, and character of any of these people, and this attack seems completely inappropriate. 

Instead of going on about how there must be a horrible conspiracy going on because some board members have been on the board for so long, it seems perhaps people should stop and think about the contribution to the hospital and community these board members have given by serving on the board as a VOLUNTEER for so many years. This makes me very sad.  

And finally, although I am not wishing to start an argument, and begin presenting information as facts when I do not have all the details, my understanding is the mayor has presented to offer half-a-million dollars to the CT if the Drive is selected. 

People seem to be very upset about their donated money not going to the machine they originally thought Kincardine was getting (although, it has also been said multiple times the fund-raising for the CT has not yet started). On the other hand, I at no point remember offering my tax dollars to be put toward choosing a fancy piece of equipment, which is arguably not at all necessary for this community’s needs. 

Members of the community seem outraged that they did not have fuller participation in the selection of the CT equipment, but again, I at no point had input as to whether half-a-million dollars should be offered - especially in a way to try to force a specific equipment choice. 

This is becoming more and more disheartening as the days progress, and to me, is a dangerous narrative, and not a good look for some of the people of Kincardine.    

Cara Tomlin
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:
RE: “Mixed views on choice of CT scanner for Kincardine hospital”

I found Eleanor Roppel's response to be right on target.

I was amazed at the emotional response of many readers. I was amazed because I am curious as to how many of those responders have education, training and educational  qualifications concerning legislation, regulations, radiation protection and biology and CT technology? 

No offence, but I would bet very few. Eleanor Roppel, RTR, does. What she wrote should be respected if one is to use critical thinking versus emotive thinking. She has the expertise!

Just so the readers know where I come from, I have been active and associated with Diagnostic Imaging (DI) for more than 50 years, having administered large DI departments, which included CT, and involved in developing legislation and regulations, as well as having taught, until the pandemic, and continued to teach radiation biology and protection.

Under the Public Hospitals Act and the Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) Act, the hospital boards have the right to choose the equipment they decide they want. Hospital boards are required to do their due diligence to pick the right equipment for the purpose it is intended.

In doing their due diligence, they must consult the experts who will use such equipment (technologists, radiologists) and those who will refer patients based on specific patient needs. This includes knowing the patient types and mix, consulting with the hospital's Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) who is responsible for radiation safety for the facility. The key here is picking the right equipment to do the type of patients that it is expected to do, not being a cardiac specialty centre.

The hospital board made its choice for the Kincardine hospital, as it has the legal right to do, in my view, and through expertise consultation versus non-expert CT consultation.

For those who are making uneducated statements about the doses one CT unit will have over another, means they are not understanding the modern CT technology or the regulations concerning radiation protection that the HARP Act requires concerning acceptance testing and ongoing testing, and the dose-reducing software that the Siemens CT units, of all types, possess.

What does surprise me is how Kincardine council could pass a motion that locks it in. If the municipality wants to contribute, then the motion should have been specific to purchasing a CT unit of the hospital board's choosing, rather than getting into the weeds and the specific proprietary business of the hospital.

I stand behind Eleanor Roppel's letter and, thus, the decision is a hospital one and not a public domain one, and people should trust those who have the expertise in these matters.

Dr. Robin C. Hesler
Hamilton