BCHC to Invest in New CT Scanner
The Buchanan County Health Center Board of Trustees approved the lease of a new 40 slice CT scanner from Toshiba at Tuesday’s meeting. Computerized Tomography (CT) uses x-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside the body. Experts compare it to looking at a single piece of bread within a loaf.
The new CT scanner will provide physicians with higher quality images. It will also feature a larger bore opening to accommodate bigger patients. New software will also reduce radiation exposure. The cost of the unit, including service, maintenance and training, is approximately $900,000 over 5 years. The new CT unit will be installed in the spring.
CEO Steve Slessor introduced a new agenda item called “Moment for Mission.” “This is a place where we can talk about why we do what we do,” he explained. “Share how we strive to provide high quality of patient care.”
Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Goldenstein began by praising Cardiac Rehab Nurse Manager Deb Recker, RN, as an “excellent nurse, a real jewel.” She explained that Recker was recently doing an assessment on a patient, referred to the Cardiac Rehab program. During her assessment, Recker found that this patient had no lung sounds on one side of the chest.
“The patient was admitted back into the hospital immediately and is all right now,” Goldenstein explained. “This patient is very fortunate . . . and I think this story shows the clinical excellence available through our staff to this community.”
In other business the board:
• Heard that the contract with service excellence facilitating company Studer, will not be renewed, saving $62,000; and
• Heard Slessor will begin a strategic planning process for 2014-15 with a one day retreat for middle-managers on January 30th.