Picture of health

Hospital foundation launches campaign to keep mammography screening in Picton

The 17-year-old mammography unit in Picton is at the end of its useful life. Until recently it wasn’t clear the equipment would be replaced. Resources are scarce throughout Quinte Health Care (QHC). New digital technology is expensive.

But the County’s Family Health Team felt a new mammography unit was important to the health of this community and made its pitch to QHC.

“We explained that the Family Health Team has more than 20,000 patients,” said Dr. Josh Colby. “Half of whom are women who need breast screening for breast cancer. We argued that without a mammography unit in Picton the screening process wouldn’t work as well. We could potentially miss some screenings.”

QHC was persuaded. So was Chief Radiologist Matt Downey. This set in motion the plan to replace the aging film mammography device with a new digital device. They have gone further, agreeing to an on-site staff radiologist in Picton three days a week.

Still there is the matter of funding the purchase of the mammography unit.This week the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation launched a $750,000 fundraising campaign to replace the nearobsolete device.

“The Foundation has stepped up to make it work,” said Dr. Colby. “It is remarkable. It is a nice collaboration between the Family Health Team, QHC and the hospital Foundation.”

Once installed, perhaps next year depending on the success of the campaign, the digital mammography device will provide instant images to the technologist conducting the screening. For patients this means a quicker procedure, shorter wait times and an earlier response.

For the hospital, digital mammography means lower film and storage costs, expanded capacity due to higher volume, and continued screening close to home.

“As the existing technology ages it becomes more difficult to find replacement parts and service,” explained QHC administrator Mary Clare Egberts. “There comes a point that without replacing the equipment the service would have ceased.”

The hospital Foundation has stepped in to ensure this important cancer screening capability remains in the County.

“People in this County think very highly of the hospital in Picton,” explained Larry Matheson, chair of the Foundation. “I think this equipment is getting old and needs to be replaced.

“Breast cancer affects a lot of people in this community and early detection is critical to improving survival rates.”

This is a view shared by Egberts and others. “We feel this is very important and supported by Ontario Breast Screening Program and by Cancer Care Ontario,” said Egberts. “These organizations want this type of screening as close to home as possible. Of course if an abnormal test is found—patients will proceed to our comprehensive breast assessment centre at Trenton Memorial Hospital to have the full workup.” “This will make a big difference for County residents from a health perspective—in preventing cancer in the community. We are thrilled to show our commitment to maintaining services in this community,” said Egberts.

Dr. Colby continues to be impressed by the bond County residents feel for their hospital.

“It inspiring to see how the community backs this little hospital and how the Foundation supports the work we do,” said Dr. Colby.