Description
The medical imaging department at PAH provides a comprehensive service to residents from the Semiahmoo peninsula and beyond. Situated across from the main entrance at the hospital, the department offers ultrasound, CT, X-ray, Mammography and other services.

Stats
This department performs approximately 75000 examinations per year. The department provides CT service to approximately 250,000 residents of the Fraser Health Authority.

Service Areas
Ultrasound - 5 state of the art ultrasound machines and a full compliment of technologist staff provide a comprehensive ultrasound service (including cardiac ultraound) to the departments clients. CT - The department's 4 channel Multislice helical computed tomography scanner provides accurate diagnostic information for a broad range of medical problems, and is especially useful in emergency care situations. X-ray - 5 general purpose X-ray rooms including a fluoroscopy unit. The first direct digital X-ray equipment in the FH has recently been installed. This new technology will expedite plain X-ray work by eliminating cassette handling by the technologists. Mammography - a full service diagnostic mammography department. Integration of all this equipment into the Fraser Health PACS archival system occurred in spring of 2005, making seamless viewing of all studies done on each patient available at any site within the region.

Expenses
Medical imaging equipment is expensive, and requires replacement over time. Maintaining a state of the art imaging department to deliver top quality care to our clients requires financial support. Ultrasound units cost approximately $300,000 each. The CT scanner purchased in 2000 had a total value of $2.7 million. General X-ray machinery in the department needs replacement. These devices cost approximately $500,000 each. Plans to install an MRI will require significant capital investment - modern MRI machines cost approximately $3 million. Addition of MRI service to this department will represent a quantum leap in our capability to provide accurate diagnostic information for a broad range of medical problems.

History of Foundation Support
The PAHF has provided constant essential support to this department over many years, the most recent contribution being $635,000 for the installation of one of the two new rooms of direct digital equipment. This investment in the health of our community has transformed the capabilities of this department and maximized the quality of the service we provide to our clients.

On behalf of our clients and staff I offer my sincere thanks to the PAHF.

Your continued support makes a tremendous difference!

Dr. Spencer Lister

Medical Director
Medical Imaging
Peace Arch Hospital