If you have a CT scan or an angiogram appointment coming up at Windsor Regional Hospital, it may be postponed.
The hospital announced Thursday that some non-emergency procedures, such as cardiac angiograms, CT scans, and some diagnostic studies are being held off through at least the end of June.
The reason for the postponement of these procedures is a widespread shortage of contrast dye. Health Canada notified hospitals across the province of the shortage last week and has ordered hospitals to prioritize CT scans and angiograms for emergency use only.
"The hospital uses a product supplied by GE Healthcare, a major global supplier of the dye," read a statement from the hospital. "GE has four global manufacturing sites, one of which, located in China, was recently forced to shut down due to COVID-19 concerns. The plant has reopened at 60 per cent capacity but it is expected to take several weeks before production is restored to full capacity."
Patients who have non-urgent CT scans or angiograms using this dye will be notified. The hospital will continue to provide scans for critical care patients, and people experiencing heart attack or stroke symptoms, bowel obstructions, or other forms of trauma.
"WRH is working with the West Region of Ontario Health and provincial bodies to prioritize the use of contrast dye," read the statement. "WRH will provide further updates in the coming days about the anticipated impact on diagnostic scan volumes. WRH will work with patients and refer practitioners to potential diagnostic alternatives depending on their medical concern."
Patients with questions or concerns should direct them to their primary care physician or the doctor who ordered the test.
