New CT scanner donated by Mormon Church ‘to transform emergency care’

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has added a significant tool for emergency care with a cutting-edge CT scanner installed directly in its accident and emergency department, funded by a $1.7 million donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The equipment, already used for over 500 emergency patients since February, slashes critical waiting times for stroke victims, trauma cases, and children requiring urgent imaging, while easing pressure on overburdened diagnostic units.

The hospital marked the official handover of the GE Revolution Maxima 128-slice CT scanner at a press conference on Tuesday, attended by health officials, medical staff, and donor representatives.

QEH CEO Neil Clark praised the church’s contributions, which total $1.7 million over several years: “I understand it’s not the first time we’ve dealt with you, and there’s a total of $1.7 million of donations, which is incredible, and I am deeply grateful for that support.”

Clark emphasised the scanner’s role in streamlining care: “Previously, patients would have had to be transferred across the hospital to the diagnostics department, potentially displacing others. Now it happens right here in A&E, enabling faster treatment and closer cooperation between diagnostics and emergency teams.”

Over 60 per cent of QEH’s CT scans are performed on emergency patients, making the machine’s frontline location critical.

Health Minister Senator Dr Jerome Walcott described the launch as “a celebration of an important milestone in our efforts to modernise healthcare delivery in Barbados”.

He confirmed the scanner is the hospital’s second of its kind, addressing overcrowding and delays that previously jeopardised stroke patients needing brain scans within three to four hours of onset.

“Thanks to your generous donation, we can safely double CT capacity, reduce waiting times, and enhance urgent trauma care,” he added.

The device’s advanced imaging technology reduces radiation exposure, benefiting children and patients with head injuries. Walcott also highlighted ongoing upgrades, including a linear accelerator for cancer radiotherapy and plans for QEH’s first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

Sister Sally-Ann Wiggins of the donor church stressed their commitment to “building a healthier, more dignified future”, while Elder Claude Gamiette pledged continued support for Barbadian communities: “We hope this scanner brings hope and reminds all that the Saviour loves us.”

The scanner’s installation forms part of QEH’s broader modernisation drive to improve emergency outcomes and diagnostic efficiency across the primary healthcare network. (LG)