Uxbridge Diagnostic Imaging

 Karen Proctor and Gloria Ross, Uxbridge Diagnostic Imaging

  “Uxbridge Cottage Hospital has led the way for rural sites in diagnostics,” says Lynne Campkin, Director, Diagnostic and Respiratory Services. “We provide access to high quality patient care –  an important component in treatment is an accurate diagnosis and follow-up monitoring through imaging examinations.” 

  In fact, Uxbridge Cottage Hospital was the smallest hospital in Ontario to receive Ministry approval to install a leading-edge 64-slice CT scanner.   

  Monique Barbeau, Senior Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging says, “The technology is consistent across the Markham and Uxbridge sites – we have the same protocols and standards of practise. The Diagnostic Imaging and CardioRespiratory Quality Management Committee works to ensure that access, quality and customer service is consistent across both sites.” 

  The Uxbridge site is also a leader in Ontario in the provision of mammography services, having acquired a digital mammography system in the fall of 2007.  

  The hospital is an affiliate of the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), a division of Cancer Care Ontario, that has very high standards requiring accreditation from the Canadian Association of Radiologists. The program enables clients between the ages of 50 and 69 to refer themselves for bi-annual screening. 

  Staff have had to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge to be able to use the new  CT scanner and digital mammography systems and as Monique says, “They’ve been really excited about it.” 

  More than half of the staff in the department have been working at Uxbridge Cottage Hospital for more than 20 years and they are, as Lynne says, “enthusiastic supporters of the hospital and proud members of the Uxbridge community.” 

  The Diagnostic Imaging department employs 12 X-ray technologists, one sonographer and two unit secretaries. A radiologist is onsite working with the team during the day and  the hospital’s clinicians have access to a professional radiologist consultant after hours through e-imaging techniques.  

  “We are a completely filmless corporation,” says Lynne. “There are many patient care benefits to this system including the ability to share medical records with the health-care team at both sites at any time simultaneously. It is also more efficient and results in better use of health-care dollars.” 

  The community has always given its full support to the hospital and through the foundation, the hospital has been able to invest in the latest state-of-the-art technology. As Lynne says, “We wouldn’t be able to buy this equipment and provide this level of diagnostic care if it weren’t for the many dedicated members of this unique community.”