Manitouwadge Health Happenings : Celebrating Professionals
Medical Radiation Technologists (MRTs) across Canada will be celebrated for their work during Medical Radiation Technologists’ Week, November 8-14, 2015. These nationally certified technologists and therapists are committed to delivering compassionate care to patients, while delivering critical “high-tech” services to physicians and other healthcare professionals. MRTs deliver technology with care in hospitals and clinics from coast to coast, and also on the battlefields wherever the Canadian Forces are deployed; and in even in the dressing rooms of our professional sport teams.
Marcia Newton and John Oliveira, are our local MRTs and Ultrasonographers at MCHCC and are part of the thousands of MRTs who will be celebrating MRT Week 2015. Look for an informational display and drop by for some cake this Thursday. If available, feel free to request a tour of the excellent equipment Manitouwadge boasts.
The MRT profession today includes a diverse array of highly-trained professionals representing various disciplines in medical imaging and radiation therapy. In Manitouwadge, due to need and staff expertise, the following modalities are also available through our MRT professionals;
Radiological Technologists
This technology has come a long way since 1898 when the first X-Ray was taken. Today’s X-rays are no longer on film, but rather in digital format that can be shared almost instantly with specialist anywhere in Ontario.
Bone Densitometry
This machine measures the density of bones and is used to screen for osteoporosis. Manitouwadge is one of the few communities in the North to have this valuable diagnostic service locally.
Ultrasound
John and Marcia have both developed niche expertise in U/S diagnostics including muskulo skeletal scans and echocardiograms. This advanced training has saved many residents from trips to larger centres.
Spirometry
Is a common test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.
Audiometry
Is a branch of Audiology and the science of measuring hearing acuity for variations in sound intensity and pitch and for tonal purity.
Physician Recruitment
MCHCC has shifted our physician recruitment into high gear. It is well acknowledged in health care circles that the best method to find a good fit for a new permanent physician is to encourage them to come for a week or two as a locum and explore if they like the community and if they are a good fit with our medical team. As news of the innovations being implemented in our local health care system spread across Canada, interests by locums who want to try out our community is growing. A recent posting generated over 90 hits in five days.
Finding a third physician remains a priority for everyone and with the number of locums expressing interest in visiting us, expectations are high that one will eventually feel “the call of Manitouwadge” and decide to be permanent for a while. MCHCC needs your help to find that good fit. If you obtain services by a locum at the clinic, feel free to complete the feedback form on the quality care you received. Patient feedback is being incorporated into overall service evaluations and your input will become part of how best to select our next physician. Secondly, when a locum visits our community, should they have a special interest, MCHCC will contact select individuals known to have expertise in that area to orient the new physician to our community’s program of interest. Examples might be taking someone golfing, fishing, skiing, orientation to our gym etc. The intent is to make them feel welcomed and ensure a smooth transition into our community.
