CT Scan and Other Diagnostics

Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) offers a Central Booking phone number to make an appointment for Ultrasound or other Diagnostic Imaging – To book at either Four Counties Health Services or Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital site for a convenient appointment, based on available times, please call Central Booking 1-866-269-8384.

DIGITAL IMAGING

Diagnostic Imaging Services include BMD (Bone Mineral Density) testing, CT (Computerized Tomography), General Radiology (x-ray), Echocardiography, Mammography (Analog and Digital) and Ultrasound. Services are provided by Registered Medical Radiation Technologists and Registered Medical Ultrasonographers who work in consultation with the London X-ray Associates (consulting Radiologists from London) with all of the above modalities.

MHA shares a state-of-the-art Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) application with its partners in the Thames Valley Hospital Planning Partnership (TVHPP). This system allows for digital images to be stored, viewed, managed and transmitted electronically. Any physician in the Partnership has the ability to view patient images without having the patient on site. For example, in the case of an acute trauma such as a hip fracture, the x-ray can be instantly sent to a specialist off-site who can view the injury to immediately advise or prioritize the patient. Patients can receive appropriate treatment without a transfer. In cases where a patient is transferred to another medical centre, x-ray film doesn't need to be delivered - it can be viewed electronically through this system. This technological advantage ensures that patients receive the right treatment in the right place.

Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD)

In 2002, SMGH introduced Bone Mineral Densitometry Testing into the Radiology department. This test is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis.

Radiology (General)

The radiology area provides the services for routine x-ray examinations (e.g. chest, limbs, spine) and special studies including those on the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and bladder.

CT Scanning

Middlesex Hospital Alliance has a new state of the art GE (General Electric) 64 slice CT Scanner which is located at the Strathroy site. CT is the standard of care for many common conditions. CT can quickly and accurately help in diagnosing illness or injury such as:

Cancer
Injuries to abdominal organs
Brain damage or skull fractures from head injuries
Blood clots or bleeding after stroke

Echocardiography

This is an Ultrasound test that assesses cardiac valves and functions.

Mammography (Analog and Digital)

A mammogram is a diagnostic procedure that can detect abnormalities in the breast. An analog mammogram is a series of pictures of the breast that are produced on film. A digital mammogram stores the images, electronically, on a computer. It is especially useful for providing more diagnostic information on patients with dense breast tissue.

Ontario Breast Screening Program

The Ontario Breast Screening Program is in an initiative to reduce breast cancer deaths in Ontario women over 50 years through an organized breast screening program whereby women can either make their own appointment or be referred by their family physician. Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital is pleased to be one of the sites for the Ontario Breast Screening Program.You can make your own Breast Screening Appointment simply by calling the Ontario Breast Screening Bookings number at 1-800-461-0640.

Women eligible for screening in the OBSP:

Ontario residents
50 years of age and over
no acute breast symptoms
no personal history of breast cancer
have not had a mammogram within the past 12 months
no history of breast implants

The OBSP screens women 50 years of age and over and automatically recalls clients until the age of 74. Clients over the age of 74 are encouraged to consult with their family physician about continued screening.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound services provide routine examinations (e.g. obstetrical, abdomen, and thyroid) and vascular studies (e.g. carotid arteries for plaque build up, venous studies for clots).

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM AND HOLTER MONITORING

Electrocardiograms and holter monitoring services are provided in order to assist in the diagnosis of cardiac problems.

PULMONARY FUNCTION

A new service in the Ambulatory Care clinic, this diagnostic service tests breathing rates and efficiency. This test is provided through a doctor's referral only, patients cannot book themselves.

LABORATORY

Provides comprehensive laboratory services: (chemistry, immunology, blood transfusion, pathology, microbiology and phlebotomy). The Laboratory's primary focus is on our inpatients and emergency patients. Outpatients are encouraged to use a community-based lab as recommended by your physician.

PHARMACY SERVICES

Pharmacy Services provide medications and supporting information for all patients receiving care at the hospital. The department is responsible for drug use control including purchasing, storing, distributing and ensuring the optimal use of medications in the hospital.

The Emergency departments provide take home medications, for a fee, from the pharmacy for patients seen at the hospital during times when the local pharmacies are closed; however, only enough drugs are provided until patients can purchase their drugs from the retail pharmacies.

The pharmacy service is staffed by a consultant pharmacist supported by pharmacy technicians and the department can be accessed on a 24 hour a day basis.

The hospital pharmacies do not fill prescriptions for the public.

Connecting with the Future of Care

CT Scan and Other Diagnostics