New ultrasound service at Victoria County Memorial Hospital

Patients in Victoria County now have access to a new ultrasound machine at Victoria County Memorial Hospital (VCMH). 

Funded through the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation and its generous donors, this marks the first time ultrasound services will be available at the hospital. The service, which is available five days a week, will provide approximately 2,500 patient appointments annually. 

The ultrasound machine was officially unveiled during the foundation’s annual general meeting last month

For patients, one of the biggest impacts will be improved access to care in the community, said Megan Morrison, health services manager and site lead at VCMH.

“It’s a service that Victoria County residents can utilize at their local hospital. Now, patients can receive important diagnostic imaging in their own community rather than travelling elsewhere, which can mean faster appointments, earlier diagnoses and quicker treatment decisions,” said Morrison. “Having that local access can make a significant difference for many residents, particularly seniors and patients managing chronic illnesses.”

Ultrasound imaging plays an important role in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of conditions, including abdominal, kidney, pelvic and thyroid concerns, as well as monitoring pregnancies. The new machine can also help support faster diagnosis and treatment of some urgent issues. 

In addition to improving patient access locally, the new ultrasound service is expected to increase diagnostic imaging capacity and improve patient flow across the healthcare system in Eastern Zone. 

Raylene McGhee, director of diagnostic imaging for Eastern Zone, says patients from Victoria County previously travelled to other hospitals in the region for ultrasound appointments. 

“The addition of the new ultrasound is opening up more appointments across the system, improving patient flow, helping reduce pressure at other sites and ensuring patients receive timely care closer to home,” she said. 

The addition of ultrasound services at VCMH also supports healthcare providers by giving them access to modern diagnostic equipment and tools needed to provide timely, high-quality care. 

“Modern diagnostic equipment helps attract and retain physicians, sonographers, nurse practitioners and other healthcare providers because it allows them to practice at a high standard and have access to technology that supports delivering timely care to patients,” said Morrison. 

“It also demonstrates that the hospital and community are investing in healthcare infrastructure and future growth,” she added. 

Morrison highlighted the value of engaging with the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Community working group about bringing ultrasound services to the community. Representing local voices, the group helped identify local healthcare priorities, including the value in having ultrasound services at the hospital.

“We are so fortunate to have a community that invests in us and a foundation who works with us. We would not be celebrating the new ultrasound service and its impact on patients if it were not for our community,” said Morrison.  

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Photo 1 (left to right): Megan Morrison, health services manager and site lead, Victoria County Memorial Hospital; Charles Thompson, chair of the Victoria County Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation; Moira Myszak, sonographer, Victoria County Memorial Hospital; and Anita Parsons, operations manager, Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiac Services, Eastern Zone.

Photo 2: Abby Kane, registered nurse at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, with the hospital's new ultrasound Doppler.