'Black and white to HD'
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Annette Thournout has seen night and day improvements in imaging technology across her 30 years with Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. And today's crystal-clear digital images are welcome contrast to grainy images seen as though through dusty glass or an opaque window.
"You've gone from the equivalent of a portable black and white TV and a set of rabbit ears to big-screen HD," said the Ultrasound Technician.
"It's a clearer vision of what's going on inside of the patient so they can get a better diagnosis, which relates directly to better patient care," added Diagnostics Imaging Service Coordinator Lorelei Thompson.
The process is ongoing, supported this fall by the TDMH Foundation's 3rd Annual Angels of Giving Campaign. In part in response to demand for 1,200-plus ultrasound exams a month, an annual projection of over 14,000 representing a 25% increase over 2012, this year's target is a new 4D-capable ultrasound machine with a (fully installed) capital cost of around $165,000.
Doing the math, says the TDMH Foundation's Dave Corner, reveals the imaging department is completing between 40 and 45 ultrasound exams daily with three machines.
"They are hustling," said Corner, noting that while the department's most valuable resource is its quality people, it's important technology matches their human performance.
"We're proud of what they do, the coverage they provide and we're pleased to give them the tools they need to stay on the leading edge."
In essence says Corner, this year's campaign goal is to replace the oldest of TDMH's three ultrasound machines with "the latest and the greatest."
"It's exciting to see how rapidly the technology is changing and how much more we can offer our patients," says Ultrasound Technician Sandy Whitford.
In simple terms, older technology provided images in 2D. Newer 3D imaging technology adds surface rendering, fetal faces, for example.
"And the fourth 'D' is time," Whitford continued. "We can do 3D imaging on moving objects like a baby, as opposed to static images.
"A video, per se."
Two D images constitute the great majority of those required says Thompson, "but you want to be able to offer those other things."
Historically, improvements have focussed on hardware Thompson continued, while today, it's important to not hinder future development with limitations in the physical platform.
"Once you have the hardware, you have the ability to move with the software when it becomes available."
Thournout says 4D has limited application at the moment, but is a nice added feature.
"And it will allow us to expand with the technology in the future."
"It just gives us more opportunity to provide the best imaging possible, right here in Tillsonburg," added Whitford, citing how a close working relationship with London St. Joe's diagnostic imaging expands TDMH's resource base.
"And we adhere to the same high standards they do in the city. We are very fortunate to be able to provide big-city technology in a small town."
"Close to home," interjected Thompson. "Close to home is what it is."
The 2013 Angels of Giving campaign opened October 30th and runs through until December 31. Those looking to contribute are welcome to call the TDMH Foundation office at 519-842-3611 extension 5311; mail a cheque to the TMHH Foundation, 167 Rolph St., Tillsonburg, N4G3Y9; or visit www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca and click on the 'Donate Now' button.
"Every donation is appreciated," Corner concluded, "and all money donated is used for capital equipment."