Wingham Hospital hosts open house to celebrate new CT scanner

Community members gathered at the Wingham and District Hospital, Wednesday (June 25), to celebrate the official opening of the new CT scanner suite.

This milestone was made possible through generous community donations and the success of the “Caring Together” campaign that raised $3.6-million.

More than 50 guests attended the celebration, touring the new CT suite and viewing the state-of-the-art equipment. Tours were led by diagnostic imaging supervisor Jaide Campbell who gave attendees an inside look at how the machine works.

“We are proud to be the first hospital in Ontario to implement the combined use of Ultravist® contrast dye and the Centargo® contrast injector from Bayer-MEDRAD,” said Campbell. “Paired with the advanced capabilities of the Siemens X-Cite CT scanner, this will allow us to tailor scans to individual patients, delivering more accurate results and a more comfortable patient experience.”



Diagnostic imaging supervisor Jaide Campbell (right) speaks with guests touring the new CT scanner suite

Among the speakers, was Dr. Sean Henderson, the hospital’s emergency room lead, who described his first experiences ordering a CT scan on-site. Instead of initiating a lengthy transferring process when imaging is needed, he can keep patients in Wingham and provide urgent treatments faster. This reduces stress for the medical team members making it easier for them to do their job and focus on what matters – caring for patients.

Also speaking, were Mark Foxton, campaign chairman, and Ben Hogervorst, president of Britespan Building Systems Inc., which made the initial $1-million donation to the campaign. The CT suite is now named in honour of the company’s extraordinary contribution.

“We are deeply grateful to every donor and all the volunteers who helped make this possible,” said Nicole Duquette-Jutzi, executive director of the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation. “This is life-saving equipment and it’s here only because our community is incredibly committed to supporting our hospital.”



Shown with the new CT scanner, are radiologist Dr. Joe Barfett (left), chief of staff Dr. Stephen Vander Klippe, and diagnostic imaging supervisor Jaide Campbell

The addition of a CT scanner at the hospital improves access to care. Patients needing advanced diagnostic imaging no longer have to be transferred to Listowel, often by ambulance. This reduces delays in care, supports better clinical decisions, eases the burden of travel on patients and families, and decreases system costs by limiting ambulance use.

CT imaging is becoming a standard part of emergency medicine. The new scanner went live, June 16, and by this fall, the Wingham site is expected to provide 24/7 access to this vital service.

“Our board is honoured to support this kind of forward-looking investment that improves care today while building the foundation for tomorrow,” said Stacey Ash, chairperson of the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance. "We are grateful to the Government of Ontario, the hospital foundation, and every partner and donor who brought this dream to life.”

“We’re excited about the transformative impact this project will have on patients and families locally,” said Esther Millar, hospital alliance president and chief executive officer. “Having CT services available right here in Wingham, means faster diagnoses, better outcomes, and care that’s delivered closer to home.”



Taking part in the ribbon-cutting at the official opening of the new CT scanner suite at the Wingham and District Hospital, Wednesday, are hospital foundation director Jenny Hogervorst (left), Dr. Joe Barfett, diagnostic imaging supervisor Jaide Campbell, Britespan co-owner Ben Hogervorst, campaign chairman Mark Foxton, Listowel Wingham Hospital Alliance CEO Esther Millar, Britespan co-owner Rob Stute, and foundation executive director Nicole Duquette-Jutzi