File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Medical Imaging

With both CT scanners down, Royal Inland patients being referred to Salmon Arm, Vernon for imaging

Feb 23, 2023 | 3:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — After enduring weeks with one of its two CT scanners out of commission, Royal Inland Hospital is now without both.

Interior Health confirms the second CT scanner went down Tuesday evening (Feb. 21).

According to Kim Perris, IH’s Director of Medical Imaging for the Thompson-Cariboo region, the problem with the scanner was assessed Wednesday and parts are now on order. There is no word how long it will take to get the equipment repaired and back into service.

The hospital’s other CT scanner was damaged beyond repair when burst pipes in the ceiling led to a flood last December. IH expects a new, replacement CT scanner will arrive and be installed in March.

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In the meantime, the hospital is scrambling to accommodate patients who would normally be referred for CT scans.

Perris says patients who have scheduled scans and are able to travel are being referred to Salmon Arm or Vernon.

Others are having their scans postponed to a later date. Perris says about 20 exams per day are being postponed or deferred to another site, not including referrals from the emergency department or inpatients.

In some urgent cases, Perris notes radiologists are determining whether another imaging modality, such as MRI or ultrasound, can be employed to avoid making patients travel to other hospitals.