The Planning Synopsis Series provides highlights of the forecasts, anticipated needs, and expected services to be accommodated in the renewed facility.
Diagnostic Imaging Summary
The Diagnostic Imaging Department of Stanton Territorial Hospital will be the Territorial referral facility, performing specialized examinations that cannot be accommodated in other hospitals and health centres in the NWT and Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.
It will also support all clinical programs provided in the Hospital and provide outpatient diagnostic imaging to the local community.
Services and Volume Changes
The Diagnostic Imaging service will provide general radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and mammography.
- Demand for general radiography exams will remain constant or decrease somewhat (given the shift to using CT and ultrasound).
- Demand for fluoroscopy exams is expected to decrease (due to the increased use of CT).
- Demand for CT services at Stanton will continue to increase toward the Canadian average of 103/1,000 population.
- Use of ultrasound at Stanton will continue to increase over the next several years.
The Stanton Territorial Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department will continue to provide both screening and diagnostic mammography. It will also provide a Breast Health Program including mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy services to expedite the diagnosis of breast health issues.
- All women in the NWT between 50 and 69 years of age will be eligible to have mammographic screening every two years.
- Women under 50 or over 69 will have screening performed, based on individual requirements.
- Diagnostic mammography can be expected for about 15% of those undergoing screening.
As well, the Department will continue to be one of the key components of the NWT Tuberculosis (TB) Program, involved in surveillance and case management.
The Stanton Diagnostic Imaging Service will continue to operate the satellite service at the Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic.
Radiologist Services
Stanton Territoral Health Authority radiologists will interpret all diagnostic examinations performed in the NWT and Kitikmeot.
PACS
The department will function as the administrative centre for the Territorial Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and as the imaging technical resource centre for healthcare facilities.
Anticipated Hours of Operation (Hospital)
- 0730 to 2000 hours Monday through Friday
- 0730 to 1600 hours on weekends and holidays
- after hours on-call response 7 days a week
Anticipated Hours of Operation (Primary Care Centre)
- 0815 to 1615 hours Monday to Friday
- Bone Mineral Density 0.5 days per week
Forecasted Volume
- Based on a forecasted population of 60,000 for the NWT and Kitikmeot
- Some diagnostic imaging being performed at sites other than Stanton
- Total projected number of examinations in 2045 is 39,513
- Total projected number of interpretations by radiologists is 58,360
Major Equipment
- General purpose radiographic units
- Mammographic radiographic units
- Mobile radiographic units
- Cardiac radiographic/fluoroscopic units
- Radiographic/tomographic table systems
- Video recorders
- High-level ultrasonic scanners
- Medical television monitors
- Infant x-ray immobilizers
- Computed radiography image digitizing systems
- Picture archiving and communication system
- Future services/technologies equipment
