Fact Sheet

Our goal is to acquire funds to continue operating the CAT Scan at Temiskaming Hospital.

CAT stands for computerized axial tomography. CAT scanning combines the use of a digital computer together with a rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross sectional images or "slices" of the different organs and body parts such as the lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas. The beam generates a 3-D image of internal structures. CAT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information to the physician. Doctors use CAT Scans to diagnose and treat a wide variety of ailments including: head trauma, cancer and osteoporosis. Doctors can examine the body one narrow slice at a time to pinpoint specific issues.

The CAT Scan was installed and operating as of January 2006. Having a CAT scanner locally has eliminated the need to transfer urgent cases to other facilities for a CAT scan. It has also eliminated the need for non-urgent patients to travel the long distances that were previously required for CAT scans. For many patients, CAT scans can be performed on an outpatient basis. Having one locally has helped to alleviate the anxiety for patients and family members and has had a tremendous impact on diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, in terms of cancer: diagnosis, staging of cancer (degree) and treatment response can now be made in a timely fashion. The system is also integrated through PACS (Picture Archive Communications System), which enables the CAT Scans to be read by specialists at other hospitals.

Previously, distance was the key factor for local residents requiring a diagnostic scan. Before the CAT Scan was available at Temiskaming Hospital, patients needed to travel to North Bay or Timmins. The availability of CAT Scans locally has the benefit of speeding up the diagnosis made by the radiologist, whereby the physician can initiate the appropriate therapy required for treating their patients.

The hours of operation for the CAT Scan are 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday to Friday. In addition, all of the technologists have been trained to perform the “Head – no contrast” protocol to provide the physicians with key information as to the diagnosis of a stroke day or night, as well as other emergency situations.

As of June 2007, a total of 3,720 scans had been completed since January 2006. Of these scans, 17% have been performed on in-patients and 5% have been requested through the Emergency Department. The remaining 78% were referred from the District of Temiskaming.

CAT Scans are more useful than Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in emergency situations (for example, diagnosing stroke). Diagnosing with an MRI is used in elective, non-urgent situations (and tests are more costly as compared to a CAT Scan).

The Foundation’s goal was to raise a total of $2.3 million, with the investment income being applied toward the operating costs of the CAT Scan. To date, the Foundation has raised $2.2 million, which includes a $500,000 donated by Frog’s Breath and $500,000 donated by Grant Forest Products Inc. for a total of $1 million. The Temiskaming Hospital CAT Scan Foundation invests these funds with the advice and guidance of a professional fund manager.

The CAT Scan Foundation has received funds from numerous events and promotions including the CAT Scan Christmas production at the Cobalt Classic Theatre, the “Be a CAT Scanner” campaign, the annual Penny Drive at the local schools, a fashion show, McHappy Day proceeds, a Monster Bingo, the New Liskeard Lions’ Dragon Boat Festival and the Smitty Memorial Scramble. Other fundraising initiatives have been undertaken and we thank everyone involved in helping the Foundation to meet its goal. With approximately $100,000 left to raise the Foundation is well on its way to achieving its total goal. The annual interest derived from the Foundation account will be used, in perpetuity, to offset the operational costs of the CAT Scan.