Following reports that the CT scanner at Princess Margaret Hospital has been down for more than a week, the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) confirmed yesterday that the machine is out of service, but did not say for how long. A CT scan produces detailed images of the inside of a body and provides three-dimensional views of the body's soft tissues such as blood vessels, muscles and organs. It is used to examine patients with injuries and a wide range of illnesses.

In a statement, the PHA said the contracted supplier for the needed part to get the scanner back online has confirmed it was shipped and is expected to arrive today. It will be installed "shortly thereafter".

"In the interim, all patients requiring CT Scans as determined by our doctors are being outsourced to other providers, as is customary across the healthcare industry," read the statement. "It is important to note that the machine referenced in your inquiry runs seven days a week, almost 24 hours per day. Therefore, it would not be unusual to expect some down time for maintenance and repairs."

The PHA also said it has received a independent report that outlined the radiology needs for PMH and the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama. To this end, the PHA said it has undertaken as a priority and in line with the report's recommendations to replace the CT scan machine at both institutions.

"At the end of this exercise, the two new CT scan machines, along with two new MRI machines and other equipment will allow for the full digitalization of the Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence and the RAND Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama," the PHA said.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian