DEAR EDITOR – A CT scan machine at the NRH is likely to be operational and in use at the hospital in May.
A highly expensive diagnostic tool, a computerized tomography (CT scan), and machine that the NRH has long needed is reported to be fully installed and operational at the hospital next month.
It is my understanding that the CT scan is being made ready by a team of Australian specialist technicians and one or more Solomon Islanders who will operate the machine when fully installed and operational.
A CT scan is a machine that I have advocated the NRH acquire for many years but due to the very great cost of such a valuable diagnostic tool it has long been delayed, but I register my appreciation to the government and the MHMS for its eventual acquisition
A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays.
A CT scan has many uses, but it’s particularly well-suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical, or radiation treatment.
The most commonly performed CT scan is of the brain – to determine the cause of a stroke, or to assess serious head injuries. Other uses of a CT scan include: To detect abnormalities in the body, such as tumors, abscesses, abnormal blood vessels, etc, when they are suspected by symptoms or other tests.
In past years the absence of a CT scan at the NRH has meant many patients suspected of having some of the conditions I have mentioned could not be correctly diagnosed but I hope with the CT scan doctors will benefit from being able to determine a patient’s condition and be able to give the correct form of treatment or surgery.
I hope once operational the CT scan will be covered by an operational warranty to ensure proper maintenance and operational use for any years to come.
I know the former Prime Minister the Hon Rick Hou, the MP for small Malaita, was earlier involved in trying to acquire a CT scan for the NRH and I thank him for the initiative and foresight that has eventuated in the one presently being made operational.
Frank Short
Bangkok
