Investment at Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin in new digital radiography units
Saint-Quentin, Monday, June 11, 2018 – Vitalité Health Network and the Department of Health are pleased to announce that the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin will soon be equipped with new general digital radiography units. The purchase and installation of the new equipment represent investments in the order of $655,000.
From left to right: Lucille Léveillé and Emmanuelle Levesque, Medical Imaging Technologists; and Claudine Gagné, Manager – Medical Imaging
According to the Network, the current units in the Saint-Quentin facility have come to the end of their useful life and must be replaced. “This is excellent news for the people of Restigouche-West served by the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin since they will now have reliable, cutting-edge technology at their disposal,” stated Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of the Network. He went on to explain that the hospital will be equipped with a new fixed general radiography unit as well as a mobile unit that can be used in the Emergency Department or directly at the bedside for inpatients, with excellent image quality. “This is the largest investment in Saint-Quentin in recent years,” Mr. Lanteigne added.
"Today's announcement clearly demonstrates our government's real commitment to investing in important priorities and ensuring that Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin can provide essential health care services," said Gilles LePage, MLA for Restigouche West, Minister of Labour, Employment and Population Growth. Once the new equipment is in place, these diagnostic imaging services will meet the needs of community residents for many years to come.
According to Claudine Gagné, Manager of the Medical Imaging Department, the units will produce more accurate digital images. “The units are easier to use and allow health professionals to perform examinations more efficiently and effectively,” Ms. Gagné indicated. The new fixed unit has a number of functionalities that will provide patients with faster and more comfortable service and reduce the amount of radiation emitted by each examination. “It is more ergonomic, which will make it easier for the technologists to do their work and safer for patients, especially those with reduced mobility. The mobile unit has already been on site and operational for a few weeks and is producing excellent results,” Ms. Gagné explained.
As for the fixed unit, its installation will require extensive renovation work beginning this week and expected to be completed by late summer. “Medical imaging services will be reduced while this work is underway. The mobile unit will be used to provide the basic services needed by emergency room patients and inpatients,” Mr. Lanteigne stated. Some outpatients needing non-urgent medical imaging services might be asked to travel to receive services during the construction period. The Network regrets any inconvenience that may result.
