Groves Memorial Community Hospital is pleased to offer a new digital mammography service thanks to the generous support of community donors and Groves Hospital Foundation.
“The new digital mammography machine is up and running,” states Kaush Patel, diagnostic imaging manager for Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMHC).
“Our old machine recorded images on film. Our new machine is like a digital camera, storing the images electronically on a computer and enabling the Radiologist to easily view images for analysis.”
“The benefits to our patients when digital mammography is used are considerable,” explains Dr. Gergovich, chief of staff, GMCH.
“Whereas these units deliver less radiation, images can be manipulated to provide for greater clarity and better visibility – hence earlier detection.”
The $428,000 unit plus renovations to the room and upgrade to the computer system came from the Groves Hospital Foundation.
“We are once again grateful to our donors for supporting the enhancement of patient services at Groves Hospital,” states Hugh Calderwood, chair of the Groves Hospital Foundation.
“Donors can take pride in knowing your donations are at work helping to save lives and improve the quality of care for your community.”
The new technology also allows 3D mammography or “tomosynthesis,” giving imaging experts a clearer look at breast tissue than the older machine.
“Radiologists and staff will eventually be trained to use the new 3-D machine feature,” explains Patel.
“The new 3D mammography will provide us with images of the breast in slices allowing for more detailed views.”
“We are grateful to the community and Foundation for supporting this state-of-the-art technology,” states Howard Dobson board chair, GMCH.
“The new equipment will enable staff to see more patients on a daily basis and improve access.”
“Early detection is the key,” according to Gergovich.
“When breast cancer is identified early, more effective treatment options are available with better long term outcomes.”
In, 2016 breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer diagnosis in Canadian women.
Fewer Canadian women are dying from breast cancer today than in the past due to earlier detection through regular mammography screening, advance in screening and improved treatments.
Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH) is a highly respected, rural, acute-care facility providing a wide range of services. GMCH serves a local and regional population of over 32,000 and treats over 68,000 people annually.
The hospital currently operates with over 230 staff and over 300 volunteers support. A strong sense of community is part of the unique quality of service provided by hospital staff.
Groves Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising and stewarding funds for the advancement of health care at GMCH.
