South Bruce Grey Health Centre will install a new mammography machine at the Walkerton hospital site this fall. The Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation provided support for $485,000 Seno Pristina Digital Mammography System from GE Healthcare. It will replace the current equipment that has been in place since 2008.
“The Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation is privileged to work with our local hospital to endeavor to acquire the most up to date equipment to keep the Walkerton Hospital current,” says Mark Gaynor, Walkerton and District Hospital Foundation Chair. “We thank our wonderful community for the support they continue to show us through our ongoing Mammography Campaign.”
A media release says the system features modern technologies to allow for potential program enhancement. The new equipment was ordered in July 2021 and is expected to be installed in September and operational in early October 2021. Beginning August 24, the mammography suite will be decommissioned to begin construction to enlarge the current space to accommodate the new equipment. During the construction period, mammograms will be scheduled for patients at SBGHC’s Kincardine site.
“We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of the Foundation and the community,” says Michael Barrett, SBGHC President and CEO. “The Foundation’s significant contribution to purchase a new mammography machine will ensure that SBGHC can continue to provide this important service for the Walkerton community and surrounding area.” The mammography program at the Walkerton hospital supports both the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) and the Breast Assessment Program (BAP), performing over 2,000 mammograms annually.
