Kincardine resident says Edge Plus and Drive CT scanners are completely different technology

To the Editor:

The following is an open letter to Michael Barrett, president and chief executive officer of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre. It was also sent to the health centre board of directors and to Kincardine council members.

Mr. Barrett:

After watching your presentation to Kincardine council last night (and again this morning), I am concerned with the information you gave to the public. There are huge differences between these machines (Edge Plus and Drive CT scanners), that weren’t emphasized. Last night, you never explained the “two tube, two generator difference.” It wasn’t in the slideshow and it wasn’t talked about. 

The “two tube, two generator difference” is a big deal. The Edge Plus is a single-source scanner. The Drive is a dual-source scanner. They are completely different technology. 

On Siemens’ brochure for the Drive, it states that with a dual-source scanner, you can scan without breath-hold; scan without sedation; and scan at any heart rate, without additional preparation methods. 

To explain further, “the dual-source scanner is designed to drive precision in diagnostic imaging across a wide range of clinical disciplines, from pediatrics and emergency medicine to cardiology and oncology. The system has the potential to reduce examination time, preparation and follow-up care."

"The Drive allows for more targeted beam focusing and enables examinations using high energy levels at low voltages. These lower voltages may allow clinicians to use less contrast, which can be burdensome for patients who are seriously ill or have reduced kidney function.

"Clinicians can tailor the voltage and, therefore, the dose to each patient. Scanning at a lower kV level reduces patient radiation exposure. This technology helps enable CT lung scans to be performed at an extremely low dose, which could prove beneficial for lung cancer screening. 

"With this combination of low doses and high diagnostic reliability, the Drive is ideal for spinal diagnostics and orthopedic examinations. Additionally, the scanner’s Dual Energy mode can help clinicians accurately differentiate between tissue and bone.

"The speed of the system supports pediatric CT examinations with no sedation. And the system supports an environment where the lowest doses are used for pediatric patients.

"Elderly patients who present to the hospital with undiagnosed chest pain and breathing difficulties, are among the patient populations that can benefit from the ability to breathe freely during scanning. And thanks to the system’s ultra-fast scanning speed, the patient’s heart and lung movement does not compromise diagnostic imaging quality. Further, since a cardiac scan can be performed in one heartbeat, beta-blockers may no longer be required to slow the heartbeat of some patients.

"If the clinical images from the first CT scan are of diagnostic quality, multiple scans are not necessary. For most patients with reduced kidney function, a lower dose of contrast media may reduce the need for related preparation and follow-up.

"And since the scanner supports the potential to perform CT examinations with no sedation, anesthetic support and additional intensive medical care may not be required.” - www.itnonline.com/content/fda-clears-siemens-somatom-drive-ct-system

Mr. Barrett, yes, the two CT scanners are similar machines. But you get what you pay for and you are obviously paying for more, so getting more, with the Drive. You may not use all of the Drive’s features in a day-to-day setting, but it is required for more detailed scans and research. Why can we not start equipping Kincardine with machines needed for the future?

On Siemens' website, it describes the Drive as “technology ready beyond tomorrow”. It advertises the Edge Plus as being a great machine for the price.

I am afraid of the comparison with Kincardine versus Walkerton hospitals. Walkerton will always be bigger. It will always have more beds than Kincardine. Walkerton will need a new CT scanner in 2028. Choosing the Edge Plus for us, contradicts your statement. You are not bringing “new technology to Kincardine”. The Edge Plus is a new machine with old technology. This will be even more outdated in 2028 and Walkerton will get a machine like the Drive - a dual-source scanner. And then in 2032, when ours needs upgrading, will we get second-best again?

Will the Kincardine hospital always be compared to Walkerton for all future equipment? If Walkerton already has the “best” model and Kincardine needs a new one, will we get “second-best” because Walkerton already has it?

The hospital board has stated that it’s only a short 30-minute ride to access the Drive, if needed. (My drive from Russell Street takes 40-45 minutes, not 30.) But is the Kincardine hospital always going to get second-best because it’s 'only a short drive to Walkerton'?

I am concerned because it seems as if this may become a future trend for Kincardine. Our hospital is always going to be smaller than Walkerton; it’s always going to have fewer beds. How can we attract future doctors with second-best? “Owen Sound and Walkerton are only a short drive away! But please, live in Kincardine ...?!”

Yes, the Kincardine hospital needs extensive renovations. What was the total, $60-million? In five years, that cost may be closer to $70-million or $80-million. There are always going to be future expenses. Investing in quality machines is laying the groundwork for a great hospital. Kincardine deserves that.

Sincerely,
Blair Brajuha
Kincardine resident since 2006

www.change.org/kincardinehospitaldrive
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