New CT scanner now serving Cumberland County

The diagnostic imaging (DI) department at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) in Amherst is celebrating the arrival of a major piece of equipment: the Siemens Somatom X.ceed CT Scanner, the first of its model in Atlantic Canada. It replaces a scanner that served the hospital since 2012, and is a significant leap forward in speed, comfort and image quality.

For patients, the benefits are immediate. The machine captures images in a fraction of the time, meaning faster diagnoses when every minute counts, particularly for trauma, stroke and cardiac patients. A wide 82-centimetre opening also offers more comfort and less anxiety during scans, especially for those who find enclosed spaces difficult.  

The scanner uses advanced automation to keep radiation doses as low as possible while still producing exceptionally detailed images, so patients get excellent diagnostic results with safety built into every step.

Alongside the new scanner, the department has also welcomed a Centargo contrast injector, a matching upgrade that streamlines how contrast dye is delivered during scans. Together, the two systems improve the flow of patients through the department, reduce wait times and increase the number of patients being seen each day. The department upgrade also included a new IV room and bathroom, adding convenience for patients and staff alike.

Seven CT technologists rotate through the department daily, and for them, these additions mean more than new equipment.

“This scanner will make our daily work easier, improve efficiency and help us provide better care to patients who need us most,” said Megan MacLeod, DI team lead, medical radiation technologist (MRT). She noted that the faster post-processing alone means the team spends less time managing the technology and more time with patients every day.

For the community, having this new equipment at CRHCC provides access to advanced technology and improved care closer to home.  

Photo of Megan MacLeod, DI team lead, medical radiation technologist (MRT),Dr. Sanjeev Kaul, chief radiologist CRHCC and Kelsi Vastag, team lead, medical radiation technologist (MRT).