What is diagnostic imaging?
The use of state-of-the-art technology to take pictures and videos of the body to provide doctors and nurses with an inside look into the body. This is done by professionally trained and experienced radiology technologists. This assists doctors and nurses in determining a diagnosis and available treatment options. In addition, it helps them gather information on how their patients can stay healthy.
Depending on the condition and questions being asked, different imaging technology is used:
General Radiology
A general radiography (X-ray) is an important diagnostic tool and the most basic form of diagnostic imaging. X-rays are used to create images of the body’s internal structures. These images are used to detect abnormalities in bones, lungs and other internal organs.
X-Ray Availability
- Outpatients between the hours 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
- Inpatient and Emergency patients are readily available from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday and Weekends 10:00am to 6:00pm.
- All hours between 7:00pm and 7:00am are on an Emergency On-Call Basis.
X-Ray Exams Typically Done
- General Radiography
- Trauma Radiography
- OR Radiography
- Mobile Radiography
For more information about X-rays and to learn more about possible risks, methods and how to prepare, click here.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound exams are imaging studies that use sound waves to look at soft tissues in your body. While most often associated with pregnancy, ultrasound is used to look at a variety of body parts.
Ultrasound Availability
Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm
Ultrasound Studies available at WGH
Abdomen
Patient Preparation: Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
If you are also having a pelvic done, please follow pelvic prep as well.
Pelvic
Patient Preparation: Please finish drinking two bottles of water an hour ahead of your scheduled appointment time and do not empty your bladder.
Obstetrical
Patient Preparation: Please finish drinking two bottles of water an hour prior to your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
Other
- Breast
- Small Parts
- Venous Doppler
- Masses
For more information on what to expect when having an ultrasound, please view this video:
Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can find abnormal changes in the breast, even when they may be too small to feel or see. Mammography services are offered at Weeneebayko General Hospital (WGH) in Moose Factory regularly. WGH mammography department is accredited by the Canadian Association of Radiologists Mammography Accreditation Program.
Preparing for a mammogram:
- Do not wear deodorant, body lotion or powder
- Try to book your appointment the week before or after your period
- Register downstairs at WGH, before coming to the x-ray department
- Bring your health card with you
Diagnostic mammography is available for people with palpable breast lesions, breast pain, nipple discharge, and/or skin changes. A referral from your health care provider (HCP) is required and can be found on Interlace. Requisitions are to be emailed to Ininew Patient Services (IPS) at referralsIPS@kingstonhsc.ca
Ontario Breast Screening Program
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a program of Cancer Care Ontario, offering high quality breast screening and the benefits of an organized screening program, including mailed result letters, screening reminders, helping participants coordinate the next steps in their screening process if needed, and more. No physician referral is required unless you have acute breast-related symptoms.
Learn more about the OBSP program and how to self-refer.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography, (CT) also known as a CT or CAT scan, is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. Unlike a typical x-ray, multiple images, also known as slices, are taken. The images then appear almost like the slices in a loaf of bread.
An X-ray technologist, who has special training in CT Scanning, will perform your scan and the images are then read by a radiologist, who is a doctor with special training in computed tomography. The technologists operating the CT scanners are registered with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario.
CT Availability
- Outpatients: Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm
- Emergency and Inpatients: on call basis
Please inform us immediately if you have any allergies to medication, chance of pregnancy or weigh more than 600lbs.
Instructions for the day of your exam:
- Fast 4 hours before your appointment time (no eating or drinking)
- Follow his/her normal medication schedule unless directed otherwise
- Do not wear any jewelry or metal clips in hair
A CT Scan can be done on the following areas of the body
- Head/brain
- Neck
- Spine
- Chest – lung, heart
- Abdomen – liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, stomach and bowels
- Pelvis – ovaries, prostate, bladder
- Upper limbs – shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands
- Lower limbs – Hips, knee, feet and ankles
- Veins and arteries
- 3D reconstructions of body parts and tissues
For more information on what to expect when having a CT Scan, please view this video:
Heart Monitors
Holter Monitor
- A heart monitor with a 3 lead hook up
- Normally worn for 24 or 48 hours, cannot remove device at any point
- It will record the entire time it is worn
For more information, please visit Home Cardiographics
Cardiac Event Recording
- A heart Monitor with a 2 lead, single channel hook up
- Normally worn for 2 weeks
- Patients remove electrodes and replace after bathing
- Only records when patient pushes a button during episodes
- Must be uploaded by land line once the device is full. (6 events)
For more information, please visit Home Cardiographics
PACS System (Computerized X-Rays)
As there is no radiologist on site, the PACS system and telemammography have significantly reduced delays in having test results reviewed by the specialist. With this advanced technology, test results can now be sent the same day by computer to the Radiologist at the Timmins Hospital for further interpretation.
WGH was the first hospital in North America to use telemammography starting in 2005.
Location
WAHA’s Diagnostic Imaging Department is located in Weeneebayko General Hospital (WGH) in Moose Factory and services the whole WAHA region.
PocketHealth Online Form
Accessing and Viewing Images
Online access to imaging records through PocketHealth
Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) now offers patients and their families access to their medical imaging records online. Once patients enroll for access they can view their entire medical imaging history at WAHA or even burn to their own CD/DVD/USB from home. There is a $5 fee at the time of enrolment, and it includes permanent access to all previous imaging records as well as new exams patients undergo over the following two weeks. Please note that an extra fee of an additional $5 will be charged for imaging records requested after two weeks.
Patients can visit the PocketHealth website via this link or fill out the paper form they are handed at the time of their registration and submit it to any WAHA Medical Imaging staff.
Appointment referrals
Appointments for the Diagnostic Imaging Department are done through Health Care Provider referrals only. Health Care Provider should fax all referrals to referralsIPS@kingstonhsc.ca for a patient booking to be made. If applicable, a transportation sheet will be sent to the non-insured health benefit department (valid status card required).
OBSP clients do not need a physician referral as long as they fit the criteria.
There are scheduled patient runs from the coastal Health/Nursing Centres for status Indians. For other patients traveling to Moose Factory for business or other reasons, WGH will do its best to schedule an appointment.
Appointment rescheduling or cancellation
It is important for patients to keep their appointments. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, please call (705) 658-4544 ext. 2305.
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