JAMESTOWN – WCA Hospital, the region’s leader in healthcare, announced that it has acquired a new, advanced Optima CT660 64-slice CT Scanner. The new computed tomography (CT) technology produces high quality images of the inside of the body and boosts reduced radiation dose imaging technology. The Optima CT660 enables fast, high performance imaging for patients in a variety of clinical settings, including cardiac, neurological, emergency room and routine CT.

Betsy T. Wright, FACHE, WCA Hospital President/CEO, said that advances in healthcare technology have changed rapidly over the years. “While our mission to provide compassionate, high quality personalized care to everyone we serve remains unchanged, our new CT imaging technology demonstrates our ongoing pledge to our physicians, staff and our community to offer the most technologically advanced healthcare locally, said Betsy.”

A CT Scan, also called a CAT Scan, is a noninvasive medical test that uses detailed imaging to help diagnose and treat medical conditions throughout the body. CT is an abbreviation for Computed Tomography. Tomography refers to two-dimensional image “slices” of a three dimensional object.

CT scanning uses special x-ray equipment in combination with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the inside of the body. These images can be examined and manipulated on a computer monitor to be studied in greater detail. CT scans produce images of the internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels, which produce greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-rays.

Lyndon Gritters, M.D., board certified radiologist on staff at WCA Hospital, says an accurate diagnosis is key to any health concern and having access to sophisticated medical technology is essential. “Our new advanced CT technology allows for faster scanning and reduced X-Ray dose to all of our patients,” said Dr. Gritters. “Faster scanning capabilities produce sharper images and reduces discomfort during CT scanning and biopsies.”

The new CT Scanner is housed on the first floor of WCA Hospital, at 207 Foote Avenue, Jamestown next to the hospital’s new state-of-the-art Emergency Department. Patients can relax in the newly remodeled CT Suite at WCA Hospital that was designed to create a quiet, private and comfortable waiting experience for patients and their families. The furnishings in the newly remodeled CT Suite were made possible by a grant from the WCA Foundation. The WCA Foundation supports the health care initiatives of WCA Hospital and provides grants which enhance the services of the hospital and staff.

To schedule an appointment for a CT Scan, contact WCA Hospital at (716) 664-8440. A physician order is required. Most major insurances are accepted.

WCA Hospital Department of Radiology

The department of Radiology at WCA Hospital is a highly-specialized, full service department which strives to meet all of the patient and clinical needs in diagnostic imaging and image-guided therapies in a patient-friendly environment. Services include, Bone Densitometry (DEXA), breast health patient navigation care, Computed Tomography (CT), conventional radiology services, Fluoroscopy, Interventional Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography screening (same day results), nuclear medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and ultrasound services. For more information on radiology services, visit WCA’s website at www.wcahospital.org, or call (716) 487-0141.