Ascension Sacred Heart brings in new CT scanner

Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf unveiled their new computed tomography scanner on Tuesday, which the hospitals says will help improve the heath care provider’s diagnostic capabilities.

The machine, which cost about $1.2 million, was made possible through the joint efforts of the hospital and the Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation.

“The new scanner’s  speed and flexibility results in increased comfort for our patients, and greater detailed imaging for our doctors,” said  K. Jani M.D. from the hospital’s Department of Radiology. “Our new machine also has a special vascular and coronary package which will give us capabilities we’ve never had before to further guide interventions in angiography, radiology and cardiology.”

Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf is a member of the Ascension Sacred Heart network, a faith-based healthcare organization that operates hospitals and healthcare facilities across the nation.

The Ascension Sacred Heart hospital in Port St. Joe has served the Gulf County community since 2010, when their first CT scanner was put in place.

According to a release from the hospital, the prior CT scanner provided challenges for patients and staff due to it’s age.

“Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf celebrated its 12 year anniversary on March 15, 2022. The prior CT scanner was installed when the hospital opened in 2010,” the release read. “Due to the age of that machine and maintenance challenges, as well as the need to bring contemporary imaging capabilities to the underserved area, Ascension made the commitment to obtaining a new CT for the hospital. “

The new technology, made by Siemens, is designed to improve patient comfort and convenience. It features a larger scanning area, with a comfortable table and large bore gantry, making it easier to use.

It also greatly reduces patients’ exposure to radiation.

“This is an imaging resource that will ease the challenges sometimes faced by patients, especially young children, those with renal insufficiency and those who are unable to hold their breath for long periods,” said Henry Stovall, Regional President, Ascension Sacred Heart.

“It provides patients with comfort and speed, and our clinicians with  image clarity and confidence  that will enable them to best treat their patients.”

The technology can be used to provide head and neck imaging, lung scans, pelvic imaging, heart or cardiac imaging, bone or skeletal imiging, and pediatric imaging, among other services.