Lions Gate Hospital temporarily shuts down MR scanner
As a result of preliminary work being done in preparation for the planned shutdown of the LGH MR scanner, Diagnostic Imaging leaders have decided to shut down the LGH scanner effective today.
As a result, there will be no On-Site MRI Services at Lions Gate Hospital until further notice, potentially until Monday, May 9 when the regularly scheduled downtime was due to be completed. LGH is working with our supplier, GE, and other service providers to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Patient impacts to be minimized
DI staff already have procedures in place in preparation for the downtime required for the upgrade. These procedures will be enacted today (Thursday, March 10) rather than April 4 as originally planned.
Outpatients currently scheduled between tomorrow and April 3 will either be rescheduled for their scans at alternate sites in the Lower Mainland or at LGH after May 9 depending on the urgency of the case. Emergency and inpatient requests will be managed by the Imaging Department and the requesting program. DI leaders will work with staff affected by this downtime on redeployment options.
Keeping safety first
The MR scanner has been functioning effectively and no staff or patients have been exposed to anything unsafe as a result of this mechanical issue. However, DI and LGH leaders made the decision to shut the scanner down because we place patient and staff safety as the highest priority and want to ensure that no one is placed at risk.
How you can help
Staff and physicians from all programs/departments should be aware that BCEHS will be supporting the transfer of emergent calls, and using alternate services such as SNT, Taxi or HandyDart for non-emergent transportation.
If you have any issues or concerns, please contact Jeff Chabot or Egidio Pasin.
Advantages of new imager
When the new imager is up and running in May, it will have a dramatic impact on reducing patient anxiety in claustrophobic patients thanks to the decibel level going from 108 to three, which is a 97.5 per cent reduction from earlier MRIs. This, in turn, will also help increase the number of scans. Currently, about one to two per cent of imaging time is lost to patients who are too stressed by the close environment in the scanner to continue with the exam.
In addition, 3-D simulation will replace the need for patients to be injected with a contrast medium, which reduces the risk of an adverse reaction in patients and the cost of staffing.
The new imager, which can scan in a fraction of the time of the current imager, will also increase the number of MRIs performed annually at the hospital. Currently, LGH performs 7,700 MRIs annually.
The new technology is thanks to a generous donation to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation from Stephen Sander of Hollyburn Properties.