Bantry hospital marks a decade of CT scanning

BANTRY General Hospital is celebrating 10 years since it first started providing its CT service. The number of patients has increased steadily over the years, from 771 scans in Year One, to 2,062 scans in 2015.

 Prior to 2006, patients requiring CT scans had to be transported to Cork for the service. Now Bantry can perform a wide variety of CT exams, from the more routine brain and body exams, to more specialised exams. 

Bantry General Hospital has also recently introduced a new imaging service with the introduction of CT imaging of the large bowel.

 Over a decade ago, the purchase of the scanner was made possible by the generosity of the people of West Cork and South Kerry. The cost of the scanner was €358,533 and with extensive fundraising co-ordinated by the Friends of Bantry Hospital at the time, €208,533 was raised by the group. The HSE subsidised the additional €150,000.

 Roisin O’Carroll, radiography services manager at Bantry General Hospital said the CT scanner had enabled staff to provide an essential and invaluable service to the community. ‘Over the years, the number of patients availing of this service has steadily increased and continues to do so,’ she added. ‘With such a steady flow of use and to keep up with advances in technology, we would hope to replace the equipment in the next year or two so the radiography department can continue to give vital scans to the people of West Cork and South Kerry, without having to travel to Cork City.’

 Bantry Hospital manager Jackie Daly, said the scanner is an integral part of the hospital services and the benefits it has yielded in patient care cannot be over-emphasised. ‘The management team greatly appreciate the support shown by the community in fundraising for this machine,’ she said. 

She said it was timely, that on the machine’s 10-year anniversary, the hospital acknowledged the workload undertaken by the machine and the countless number of trips to Cork which have been avoided due to this equipment being available at the hospital. ‘We would also like to thank the Friends of the Hospital and the people of West Cork,’ she said.

 Declan Hurley, chairperson of the Friends of Bantry General Hospital said the group was set up by concerned citizens who could see the potential of enhancing patient care within the hospital by providing additional medical equipment. ‘We are delighted it has served the people of West Cork, and beyond, very well for the past 10 years,’ Cllr Hurley said.