In December 2021 the Foundation team spoke with Janina Squires, a Medical Radiation Technologist about the importance of Diagnostic Imaging (DI) services at the Willett, Paris.
What role do you play at the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) and how is your department providing excellent care?
I am a Medical Radiation Technologist at BCHS and work in x-ray at both the Willett, Paris and at the Brantford General Hospital (BGH). The imaging department at both sites provides excellent care by having an amazing team of dedicated people who can perform a variety of specialized x-rays for very specific diseases or injuries – not just broken bones. We see a large number of unique patients and are always ready, creative and skilled to get the results the doctor needs, while providing comfort to our patients.
What are the benefits of having DI services in our community?
Having an imaging department in our community offers access to the tests patients need without having to travel long distances. Being able to
provide imaging services at the Willett Urgent Care in Paris helps keep the numbers of emergency visits to the BGH down. The Willett x-ray is staffed 7 days a week and we serve patients through the Urgent Care, walk-in patients with a requisition, and in-patients from the Willett Transitional Unit. All tests and results are provided to both sites and made available for specialists so comparisons can be made with prior imaging and to facilitate a more specific care plan and accurate diagnosis.
Why is an investment in radiology equipment needed for the Willett, Paris?
Continued investment in diagnostic imaging is critical in order to keep our equipment alive! We need to maintain the most modern technology to achieve the best result possible. Having the most advanced technology allows us to conduct exams in a timely manner, provide the highest quality imaging and the lowest radiation dose we can achieve. New equipment also provides improved safety features for our patients, such as tables that can be adjusted lower, or exams that can be completed without moving patients from a wheelchair. Our DI services need to be able to grow with the community. We performed over 6,000 exams last year, and the number of patients choosing to come to the Willett site for diagnostic imaging services continues to increase.
