Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment Cecil Mckie says that proper care and attention was taken for the installation of the more than $1.3 million CT Scan machine.{{more}}

Mckie, speaking at the commissioning of the machine at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) on Monday, August 15, said that although it was a long time in coming, it was well thought out and planned, and that the installation went through different phases.

“I know a lot of persons from the wider society would have been urging us to get it done… but from the very inception, we had indicated that we have to be very careful in how we put this machine.”

“We had to follow very strictly the guidelines of GE (General Electric) who indicated when we do, what we do. We even had to go as far as to bring in a physicist to ensure the safety features in this room are in place so that we do not put any of the users at risk, both in terms of the professionals and patients that would be using the facility.”

According to Mckie, the final implementation stage saw three engineers visiting the hospital last week to complete the installation.

He said that the locals were in for high praise from the engineers for the type of machine purchased and where it was placed.

“This machine is the latest technology of CT Scan machines offered by GE. The machine is called Bright Speed, and this indeed puts us at the cutting edge of technology. No other country in the Caribbean has this technology available to them.”

“Secondly, they also commented very positively on the environment that has been created here. In fact, they have commented that of all of the CT Scan facilities in the region, this will rank as one of the best, if not the best.”

The minister thanked all who had a part to play in the preparation of the area and installation of the scanner, including BRAGSA, VINLEC and workmen from the Ministry of Works, as well as the major contributors to the purchase of the machine, namely the National Insurance Services and Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“This means that the users of this facility, the professionals working here, the persons from the Ministry of Health and indeed every Vincentian can be proud that we have taken our time and that we have delivered a machine and an environment that we can hold up our heads and be very proud of.”

The machine has already been put to use, with the first patient, Sion Hill resident Maria Ryan undergoing a brain scan on Sunday, August 14.(JJ)