Local MPP Trevor Jones popped by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, with his provincial government chequebook in tow.
Jones and CKHA top brass announced a provincial investment of $1 million to support increased computer tomography (CT) operational capacity in the diagnostic imaging department. This funding will directly address wait times for CT scans and ensure the community has improved access to top-tier diagnostic services.
“Our government is continuing to make meaningful investments in health care services that people in Chatham-Kent can rely on close to home,” Jones said in a media release. “This $1 million investment for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance will help expand CT operational capacity, reduce diagnostic wait times, and ensure patients receive timely access to the care and screenings they need.”
CKHA serves both hospital inpatients and outpatients who rely on the facility for screenings and regular testing.
With an average annual volume of approximately 24,000 CT scans, the demand for these services remains a critical priority for local health care delivery, hospital officials said.
“The provincial government’s investment supports improved access to our CT scans for our patients,” said Adam Topp, CKHA’s president and CEO. “By increasing our operational hours, we are making a clear commitment to reducing wait times and ensuring our patients receive the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it.”
Cynthia Stulp, manager of diagnostic imaging at the hospital, agreed.
“This funding allows the team to build on the high-quality care already provided at CKHA while moving closer to the provincial target,” she said. “This will ensure the department can meet the community’s needs more efficiently, keeping ‘Our focus is YOU’ at the center of every scan.”
This funding will assist in strengthening local diagnostic services, hospital officials said, and “ensure patients across Chatham-Kent can access timely, high-quality care close to home. Through continued investments in health care infrastructure and services, CKHA remains committed to enhancing patient experiences, supporting frontline teams, and meeting the growing needs of the community.”
