MCH gets PET/CT scan

It didn't take long for the Ector County Hospital District Board of Directors to go through nearly $3.5 million Tuesday evening.

About $2.5 million of that will go toward a new positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan. Of that, $1.77 million will be for the Siemens machine itself, $78,403 will be for accessories and $647,577 will go toward renovating 1,792 square feet in the radiology department.

While the PET-CT scan can be used in neurology and cardiology, Medical Center Hospital will primarily use it for oncology.

"It'll be really great with our commitment to cancer services here," said Bill Webster, MCH chief executive officer.

Tim Hiner, an account executive with Siemens, said the PET-CT scan would be advantageous for image quality, patient comfort and time of exams.

"It's more specific as to where the ‘hot spot' is," he said.

Carol Evans, MCH imaging services divisional director, said the machine should break even within five years.

The board also approved $843,087 toward the second phase of bed replacements at MCH. This will bring 88 new beds to the 5 Central, 8 Central and 9 Central units.

The first phase of bed replacements cost $1.56 million. The final phase is expected to be voted on next year.

Also approved Tuesday was a new 500-pound washing machine. John Durham, MCH director of support services, said it's a much-needed replacement of the hospital's current machine.

"We currently call it the ‘Geezer' because it's never running," he said.

The board tabled three items related to anesthesia services with MCH's ProCare 501(a). Webster said it was because legal work needed to be completed.

In other action, the board approved:

>> A Texas County and District Retirement System annual contribution rate authorization. Though it decreases the rate MCH pays into its retirement system from 8.5 percent to 8.46 percent, Webster said employees would see no change in benefits.

>> Revisions to the bylaws of the Permian Basin Healthcare Network.