State-of-the-art imaging suite now at territory's main hospital - BVI News
This is according to Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Dr Ronald Georges.
He told BVI News that the set of equipment which can perform MRI, CT Scans, Mammography, Ultrasounds, X-RAY and Fluoroscopy imaging, is more advanced than other similar services being offered in the territory.
“When you look at the capabilities and quality of the MRI scanner, the CT scanner and our digital Mammography machine, they basically surpass any other capability in the territory in terms of diagnostic inaccuracy,” Dr Georges stated.
He also stressed on the importance of having imaging equipment present at the hospital with diagnostic capabilities to treat patients and said measures are in place to ensure the equipment is well taken care of.
“We have assigned with necessary importance to ensure that the imaging is fully functional, we have maintenance contracts in place and we have standards and guidelines in place,” Dr Georges added.
Most affordable
The BVIHSA CEO further explained why the hospital will have the most affordable prices in the territory while delivering the imaging services.
He said: “We operate within the NHI (National Health Insurance) fee schedules, so where other providers may have prices which are outside of the NHI fee schedule, there may be balances which are not covered by NHI.”
Suite explained
Meanwhile, Radiologist Dr Jonas Ebarle said in a government-commissioned media that the suite’s digital mammogram machine is “an advanced form of breast imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breast”
“We also offer 4D ultrasounds, a 24-hour turnaround time, and the best imaging staff on island,” Dr Ebarle stated.
Only facility in BVI with in-house radiologists
He also stated that the imaging suite is the only facility in the territory with an in-house radiologist, which allows for real-time assessments of imaging.
“We have two in-house radiologists while other facilities use teleradiology. We can, therefore, offer a quicker turnaround time, request real-time additional imaging and give immediate advice where necessary,” Dr Ebarle added.
