Five (5) Picture Archiving Communication System (PACs) workstations and one personal computer (PC) were recently installed in the Radiology Department at the Rand Memorial Hospital, as part of a strategic plan to upgrade the Radiology Unit at the hospital.

The software was downloaded to all of the modalities including the Eight Mile Rock Community Clinic, and the Mammogram Unit at Davies House. The new software allows for digital imaging to be uploaded in real time to the PACs System at the Rand Memorial Hospital. Apart from the reporting and archiving features of the new system, a major benefit is the voice dictation which increases efficiency in time management as it relates to providing timely reports

Training for the Radiology Staff, inclusive of fifteen (15) Radiographers, three (3) Radiologists, and two (2) Clerks commenced in June 2018.  Approximately ninety-five (95) designated referring Physicians (Consultants, Senior Registrars, Registrars, Senior House Officers and Dental Officers) at Grand Bahama Health Services were provided with basic access for viewing and/or reading patient images.

It is anticipated that this new digital system will significantly improve workflow within the department by reducing wait times, enhancing patient management, and limiting paper work. Apart from providing instant interpretation of results and immediate access to all of a patient’s historical studies, the new system also affords radiologist the capacity to view multiple images for a single patient and for multiple patients simultaneously, and enhances communications between the radiologist and attending physician.

The PACs system is fully functional and operational at the Rand Memorial Hospital.  Phase two of onsite training is tentatively planned for early December 2018.