There was good news in the health sector for Carlow Kilkenny this week following the announcement that St Luke’s Hospital has purchased a new state of the art CT scanner, costing €700,000.
The scanner, will be in situ in Kilkenny from the middle of December and will replace the current scanner which was installed in 2001.
Since 2001, the CT scanner has carried out on average of over 500 scans per month. Scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of the body and brain which assist medical practitioners in diagnosing medical problems.
Following a period of breakdowns and repairs, management received approval to go to tender for a replacement scanner in September 2008.
The new 64 slice scanner will be installed by Philips. This new machine will allow quicker scan times for the patient and improve throughput of patients,
In addition to the new equipment, some upgrading of the room will also be carried out including electrical work, air handling and replacement of floor covering.
Between now and the middle of December, a mobile CT machine will be on site beside the CT department.
General manager of St Luke’s Hospital Anne Slattery said “the new CT scanner will continue to have tele-links with Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and will facilitate rapid diagnoses for patients.”
She added, “the acquisition of the scanner will be of major assistance to the staff in the Radiology Department in terms of efficiency and service.
