FRIENDS OF BANTRY GENERAL HOSPITAL LTD.

BANTRY, WEST CORK

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a CT Scanner?

A CT scanner is a piece of equipment that uses x-rays to give pictures of internal organs in the body that cannot be obtained by simple x-rays or ultrasound scans.

What does CT stand for?

CT stands for Computed Tomography. This means that the information obtained from the x-rays are processed by a computer to give the pictures we are looking for.

How big is a CT scanner?

The scanner itself takes up the space equivalent to the size of a small living room.

What is a CT scanner used for?

A CT scanner is used to help diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses such as a stroke, brain haemorrhages, cancer, lung problems, liver and gall bladder problems, accidental injuries, abscesses, clots, Alzheimer''s disease, dementia and many, many more.

Does having a CT scan hurt?

Having a CT scan is just like having a complicated x-ray. With standard CT scans patients don't feel a thing.

How much does a CT scanner cost?

Approximately 500,000 Euro

Why doesn't Bantry General Hospital get an MRI scanner instead?

An MRI scanner is a different type of scanner to a CT scanner with different strengths and weaknesses. Patients with metal in their bodies cannot have an MRI scan. Some illnesses like bleeding in the brain are better diagnosed using a CT scanner. In addition, although having a CT scan is a very easy process, MRI scanners can be very claustrophobic and some patients refuse to go into them.

Why doesn't the Southern Health Board provide a CT scanner to Bantry General Hospital?

The case for the Southern Health Board to provide a CT scanner to the hospital is very strong. The hospital has been in existence since the 1960's, however, and a CT scanner has not been provided to date. If we wait for the Southern Health Board to provide it, we could be waiting several more decades. The Department of Health, the Southern Health Board and health services in general tend to help people who help themselves. If the community provides a piece of equipment, the Health Board will find it impossible not to run the scanner properly.

Is there a risk of the CT scanner remaining unused or lying idle if we get one?

The Southern Health Board management have given a firm commitment that, if a CT scanner is provided, they will provide the staff, building and resources to run it properly.

CRO NO 385118

Reg Office: Bantry General Hospital, Bantry, Co Cork.

Directors T Barry, P Cronin, M Lawlor, A McHale, M Minehane, A Willoughby and M Wickham

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