By Angela Gemmill
The Sudbury Regional Hospital is taking a big step forward in orthopedic care, by opening a diagnostic imaging clinic in the same building as the seven orthopaedic surgeons in the city.
Both x-rays and ultrasounds can be done at the site at 2120 Regent Street South.
Dan Newell, who is getting both hips replaced, lists convenience and free parking as benefits….but mostly says the clinic will mean less pain for patients like him who find it difficult to get in and out of cars and travel to and from buildings.
Hospital President and CEO, Dr Denis Roy, says patients don’t have to go to the main campus for the procedures, they won’t have to carry the X-ray films around to their appointments and all pictures (old and new) will be in the same file.
The clinic is linked to the hospital’s electronic medical records system meaning treating physicians can view results within minutes of the x-ray or ultrasound.
Administrative Director Tyler Speck explains orthopaedic surgeons see a great number of people who need X-rays and by being in close proximity the clinic extends to where the patients need it.
Plus it means patients only have to go to the hospital for surgery.
Five full-time staff work at the clinic including two X-ray technicians, two ultrasound technicians and clerical staff.
(Diagnostic Imaging Administrative Director Tyler Speck; Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, patient Dan Newell; Radiologist Dr Evan Roberts; Chair of HRSRH Board Russ Boyles & Sudbury Regional Hospital President & CEO Dr Denis Roy)