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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2007-10-03, Page 8Page 8 The Huron Expositor • October 3, 2007 News PACS 'a wonderful tool' worth funding, says doctor Annual radiothon hopes to complete first stage of fundraising for new technology Susan H u n d e r t m a r k After eight months of using the new PACS (Picture Archiving Communications System) at Seaforth Community Hospital, Dr. Dan Rooyakkers is thrilled by the benefits of the technology. "PACS is working fantastically. It's a great success with so many different stories," he says. And, as Seaforth participates for the third year in the CKNX Healthcare Heroes Radiothon, Rooyakkers is hoping the public realizes "what a fantastic thing they're donating for." PACS technology allows diagnos- tic tests, including nuclear medi- cine, CT scans, x-rays and ultra- sounds to be produced with digital images, which can then be trans- ferred electronically. Rooyakkers says that over the summer, many trauma patients were able to have digital x-rays of fractures looked at by orthopedic Look for your coupon book in the mail. Packed with over $35 of savings, your Every Kilowatt Counts coupon book instantly saves you money on energy-efficient products—from lighting to devices that put you in control of your electricity use. Redeem at your nearest retailer by November 30th, and start saving while helping the environment too. OPOIvory Keorrat, Covets t)n..rb ►.w.r A.Unrrn- OPA. Every Kilowatt Counts and Ontario Powri• ,y are each official of the Ontario Power Authority Coin image «?2007 Royal Canadian M,rt AIf R g'"s Crew ,ect specialists throughout Southwestern Ontario without the patients having to travel from Seaforth. "It's a wonderful tool for patients. They get access to doctors who are able to share their opinions and decide on a course of management without having to run across the area," he says. While the PACS network is help- ful with trauma injuries, it also helps with cancer patients as well, allowing specialists in London to decide on a course of treatment sometimes even before seeing the patient. Rooyakkers says PACS is helping to make financial savings in fewer ambulance transfers and timelier treatments that prevent further care. As well, patients and their families are saving the money it takes to travel to specialists. After raising $123,500 so far towards the PACS technology that came online in Seaforth in February, the Seaforth hospital foundation is hoping to raise the rest of the $213,283 goal by the end of 2007. Seaforth's radiothon organizer Sheila Morton says a local goal of $50,000 has been set again this year to be raised the day of the radiothon on Oct. 20. "I'm very positive about this com- munity. This is an excellent commu- nity and people are very generous," she says, adding that the motto for this year's campaign is "We give a little, we all get a lot." Although Stratford Festival actor Lucy Peacock has been the honorary radiothon chair for the past two years, she's unable to make it this year. "Lucy is doing a one -woman show in Ottawa that day so she can't come and we can't find anyone to fill her shoes," says Morton, adding that Peacock is interested in partici- pating again in the Seaforth radio- thon next year. She says $4,000 has already been raised with a silent auction at the Blyth Festival in September. As well, the foundation has sent letters to over 300 businesses in Huron East asking them to donate during the radiothon. "The letters have gone out to 10 times more businesses this year than last. Everyone uses the hospi- tal and the government does not fund capital equipment at the hospi- tal," she says. Once the PACS goal has been reached, Morton says the founda- tion will begin fundraising for the second phase, a new $350,000 x-ray machine. "It's a five-year plan. And, the PACS system is already really enhancing patient care," she says. 58 South Street, P.O. Box 430 Goderich, Ontario N7A 4C7 519-524-8335 Norman Pickell is pleased to announce that Leah Noel, B.A., LL.B. has joined him in the practice of law. Leah Noel has been a lawyer since 2001. Prior to joining Norman Pickell, Leah gained valuable experience in larger law firms in Southwestern Ontario. Leah's areas of practice are real estate, wills and estate planning, powers of attorney, business and corporate law, elder law, estate administration, and landlord and tenant issues. Norman will continue.handling the same areas of law as Leah does, as well as prepare marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements. Norman is also a mediator and an arbitrator. For more information about Norman Pickell and Leah Noel, please visit our web site at www.normanpickell.com