ALLISTON, ON - Patients, physicians and the environment are receiving direct benefits from the new Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The PACS system electronically stores, displays and distributes diagnostic images such as x-ray and ultrasound.  PACS allows physicians to access patient images twenty-four hours a day from several locations throughout the hospital and will reduce wait times.

SMH has been working with Southlake Regional Health Centre over the past few years to implement the high tech system. The SMH Foundation made the commitment for the project and fundraising is on-going.  Implementation of the first phase has been completed and the Diagnostic Imaging department at SMH is now connected to the PACS at Southlake. Specialists, surgeons and the fracture clinic at Southlake can now view diagnostic images from SMH prior to booking appointments or having patients transferred. Ultrasound, x-ray, and bone mineral density exams completed at both sites are now available for physicians to use for comparison, diagnosis, and treatment.

"Our new PACS system will have far reaching benefits, not just for patients having x-rays and ultrasound exams. Expediting diagnostic images will improve our efficiency and move patients more quickly through the ER and to appropriate levels of care. Instant connections with physicians at Southlake, and eventually over 20 other hospitals, will provide access to specialized care and help to reduce wait times for our patients," said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial.  

What are the benefits of PACS for patients?

• Decrease in wait times
• Faster and more accurate diagnosis
• Potential for more timely treatment
• Image security - no more lost x-rays
• Reduction in repeat exams  - images available 24/7 and shared between hospitals
• Elimination of x-ray pick-up for patients going to Southlake (for imaging done after May 1)

What are the benefits of PACS for staff and physicians?

• Access to images 24/7 in multiple locations simultaneously
• Immediate access to images with previous exams available for comparison purposes
• Reduced report turnaround time to referring physicians
• Consultations with images made easy for physicians in different locations within SMH as well as with other health care facilities linked to SMH

In addition, x-ray film and related chemicals that were generated in the Diagnostic Imaging department have been eliminated, which is an environmental benefit. Eventually, rooms that were used for the storage of equipment, chemicals and films will be made available for other purposes.

"PACS is just one of the innovations that will help us to provide health care excellence to our patients. Stevenson Memorial is committed to delivering that level of service and will work with our community to obtain the necessary equipment, physicians and staff to continue doing so," said Ryan.