BGH Unveils State-of-the Art CT Scanner Designed for Speed, Quality, Precision

by Scotty Wampler
Staff Reporter
   A  newly-acquired CT scanner capable of shaving valuable time off of a routine scanning procedure was unveiled last Thursday by Buchanan General Hospital.
   The Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 40 CT scanner, the first and only 40-slice CT scanner of its kind in the area, will increase the image quality, speed and detail of of a typical scan, according to Joan Jamison, chief executive officer of BGH.
   "It provides advanced applications, early visualization of disease and faster image gathering capabilities," Jamison said of the unit. "This scanner allows physicians to visualize incredibly small details in a matter of seconds without compromises in resolution, scan time or image quality, all of which are very important in making accurate diagnoses. This multi-million dollar project will greatly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of our patients."
   Jamison also said the scanner provides optimal patient comfort by eliminating the “closed in feeling” which patients often associate with CT scanning. 
  The scan, she said, provides early visualization of various diseases in an uncomplicated and painless type of medical evaluation that is performed in a single breath hold.
  "To compliment our scanner, Buchanan General Hospital has also completed its upgrade to electronic filmless images, known as PACS (picture archive and communication system)," she continued. "Our General Electric PACS provides an efficient alternative to the traditional radiology films. Radiology images are now managed electronically, allowing them to be available when and where they are needed. Images can now be viewed on every floor in the hospital, in physician offices, and transferable either electronically or by CD to other hospitals, as needed. Our CT and PACS advancements support our Mission which is to provide quality and comprehensive health care services to meet the needs of our community."
  A hospital official assisting with tours of the new unit confirmed a full CT scan of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis can now be conducted in a matter of minutes. Specifically, a pelvis scan that used to take around 40 seconds can now be accomplished in as little as 11 seconds.
  "The addition of this imaging system demonstrates Buchanan General Hospital’s continued commitment to offer the most advanced imaging technology to our community," Jamison added.
  A generous crowd attended the scanner's unveiling, which included Delegate Dan Bowling, Buchanan County Board of Supervisors Chairman Roger Rife, North Grundy Supervisor Carroll Branham, County Administrator W.J. Caudill and Grundy Mayor Roger Powers. 

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  To subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.

School Board Approves Hirings, Personnel Issues

by Cathy St. Clair
News Editor
   Two new school nurses, one new teacher, seven custodians and 12 cooks were hired last Thursday during a meeting of the Buchanan County School Board.
   Board members also named designees in charge in the event of principal absences, okayed an organizational chain of command chart and approved a language change in the evaluation process for teachers to conform with a General Assembly mandate.
   Additionally, the board approved lists of new substitute teachers, cooks and custodians, okayed a listing of volunteers; and approved members of a school health advisory board and Title I School Parent Advisory Council.
   The new hires were as follows:
   Bobbie Joe Sullivan and Kimberly Baker were hired as school nurses.
   Vanessa Justus was hired as a teacher at Hurley Elementary-Middle and High School.
   New custodians hired included Rita Wilson and Tina Stevens, Council; Delores Deel, Russell Prater Elementary; Judy Sargent, Hurley Elementary-Middle; Jason Lowe, Donna Linton and Deloris Lester, Riverview Elementary-Middle; Doug Elkins, J.M. Bevins Elementary;
   Cooks hired included Paula Potter, Keppei Meadows and Shaunta Harman Twin Valley Elementary-Middle; Tina Smith, Debra Walton, Linda Spears, Mary Carter, Betty Baker and Nell Davis, Riverview Elementary-Middle; Leslie Blankenship, Hurley High; Diana Shelton, Hurley Elementary-Middle;  and Deborah Bailey, Grundy High.
   Board members also approved Dominique Traverse as a volunteer assistant track coach at Twin Valley High School.

For more of the story, see the print edition of the Mountaineer, on sale at newsstands now.  To subscribe to the Mountaineer, call 276-935-2123 today.

RAM Event Offers Free Medical Service to Residents in Need on October 14-15

by JoBeth Wampler
Staff Reporter
   Free medical check-ups will be offered through the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition, which will visit Riverview Elementary/Middle School on October 14 and 15.
   Offered to the uninsured, underinsured, unemployed and those unable to afford health care, the expedition will provide adults and children with free dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; eye exams and prescription eye glasses; and hearing exams.
   Physicals, cancer screenings, immunizations for children, blood work and pulmonary functions will also be performed. Those with diabetes, or who are in need of medical aid will be assisted.
   Mammograms, pap smears and breast and pelvic exams will be offered, as well.
   Registration will begin at 6 a.m. daily.
   Services will be rendered on a first come, first serve basis.
   Services will be provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, dental hygienists, nurse practitioners and other trained health care professionals.
   For more information, or to volunteer time, medical services or food, call Sandy Stiltner at (276) 935-6308 or Frannie Minton at (276) 935-2880.
   For transportation information, call Four-County Transit at (276) 935-1486.