Huron Expositor, 2007-03-14, Page 3The Huron Expositor • March 14, 2007 Pogo 3
News
CT Scanner debate contInues at county
Cheryl Heath basic diagnostic tool and "not a luxu- would properly identify the problem must do better. I urge you to seize the
/7" At the least, says Neal, the intro- moment."
The doctor calls the scanner a "basic duction of a CT Scanner to Huron While he expressed support for the
tool in the rapid treatment of stroke." County could result in a stroke-eval- CT Scanner, Coun. Bill Dowson
And, he says, its introiluction would uation centre in the county. (Bluewater) questioned how the hos-
be a boon to the area as possible "Huron County is the great black- pital plans to cover the $450,000
stroke sufferers could be immediately hole of CT Scanners in southern annual operating cost for the equip -
identified and be given a lifesaving Ontario," says Neal, adding while the ment.
drug that must be administered Ministry of Health acknowledges "It's a challenge for us," acknowl-
within two hours of a stroke's onset. they are necessary, they will not pay edges Thibert, who says the plan is to
As it stands, he says, a stroke vic- for them. have $130,000 set aside to go into the
tim might have to travel as far as an "What is the cost of doing nothing?" operating agreement. The difference
hour away to get the CT scan that says Neal. "We can do better and we See PUT, Page 8
Huron County council is not yet
ready to commit to a $1 -million dona-
tion to the Goderich-based CT
Scanner fundraising committee.
Yet, following a presentation by
committee members March 7, it is
clear that many county councillors
are in favour of the Alexandra
Marine and General Hospital
Foundation -based plan that would
require more than $5 million in
funds to purchase a CT Scanner,
which would be installed at the
Goderich hospital.
The goal, say representatives of the
committee that were on hand to
speak to council, is for the diagnostic
machinery — which is like an
advanced X-ray machine that allows
physicians to readily identify prob-
lems, including the onset of strokes
— to serve the entire county.
Bill Thibert, Chief Executive Officer
of the Alexandra hospital, and
Wilhemina Laurie, cochairwoman of
the committee, along with veteran
physici n, Dr. Don Neal, addressed
the plan.
Thibert told council that $2.5 to $3
million is being allocated towards the
purchase of the scanner, which alone
costs $1.1 to 1.5 million, $750,000 to
$1 million is being set aside for the
hospital's necessary retrofitting and
structural changes, while the main-
tenance contract fees are in the
$520,000 range.
Thibert says the committee is ask-
ing for the county to make a $1 -mil-
lion contribution towards the pur-
chase of the scanner. He notes
Goderich council is also ready to
pledge $1 million to the cause and
the foundation also plans to raise $1
million.
The "one-time financial request" is
necessary, says Thibert, because the
province does not cover the cost of a
hospital's maintenance or capital
purchases.
Thibert acknowledges the equip-
ment's $450,000 annual operating
costs will not be covered by the
province either.
Dr. Neal told council he was on
hand to put a human face on the
need for the scanner.
"Really, every week I could have a
new story to tell
you," says the
doctor, who calls
the scanner a
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