“Radiologists Without Borders” Donates Equipment to CMH
Ultrasound Devices Will Aid Diagnosis of COVID-19 and Other Ailments in CMH’s Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit and Rapid Care Centers in Valatie and Copake
Hudson, N.Y. July 21, 2020 – Columbia Memorial Health today announced it has received three ultrasound scanning devices donated by “Radiologists Without Borders.” Useful in many applications, the handheld devices are particularly well suited to be used at the bedside to generate chest scans of COVID-19 patients, eliminating the need to move patients to other areas where traditional scanning equipment is installed in fixed locations.
The devices will be used in CMH’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit in Hudson, and at its Rapid Care Centers in Valatie and Copake, further enhancing CMH’s advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Founded by Dr. Tariq Gill (who is also CMH’s Chief of Radiology), Radiologists Without Borders (RWB) is an American-based, non-profit organization committed to improving health and livelihood by supplying diagnostic imaging equipment, services, training, and support.
“This technology is very helpful in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and can be employed in a manner that reduces patient movement and the potential exposure risks associated with that movement,” said Dr. Gill.
This is not the first time CMH and RWB have worked together. According to Dr. Gill, CMH has donated lifesaving medical equipment and supplies to RWB that have been used to treat civilian casualties in the Ukraine.
“The mission of Radiologists Without Borders extends around the globe, including right here at home, and we are very proud to support CMH as we all work together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Jay P. Cahalan, President and CEO of CMH, said: “These handheld ultrasound devices will add to CMH’s vast array of the most advanced imaging technology, which already includes 3D mammography, digital X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI and numerous other imaging platforms. We are very grateful to Radiologists Without Borders for sharing our commitment to providing the very best care possible to the people of our region.”
ABOUT COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH
Columbia Memorial Health is an advanced multi-specialty healthcare system serving more than 100,000 residents in Columbia, Greene and Dutchess counties at more than 35 primary care and specialty care centers. In addition, CMH’s inpatient hospital, located in Hudson, has served our region since 1893 and is one of the most innovative and technically advanced facilities in the Hudson Valley. Columbia Memorial Health, along with Albany Med, Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital, is part of the Albany Med Health System, the largest locally governed health system in the region. Learn more at www.columbiamemorialhealth.org.
Contribute to CMH’s COVID-19 Defense Fund at: https://foundation.columbiamemorialhealth.org/covid-19-defense-fund/
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TESTIMONIALS
I received incredible care in the Emergency Department and the Emergency Observation Unit at Columbia Memorial Health. A heartfelt thank you to the entire team for saving my life. My wife of 30 years, my four children, my extended family and friends are forever grateful to the CMH Emergency/Observation teams, Dr. Stanger, Dr. Weber, P.A. Patrick, RN Justin, RN Miranda, and RN Rhonda.
An avalanche of medical staff descended on the cubicle and surrounded her bed, and while the doctor asked her questions, the rest went about their dedicated tasks with speed and professionalism. I stood back and watched with tears welling in my eyes as I realized that someone I loved very deeply was receiving the benefit of a highly skilled, well trained and dedicated team of nurses and doctors who are a credit to the ER and your hospital.
We think we will never need an emergency room visit, but most likely it will happen. When that time does occur, we all hope for the best physicians and care possible you will find at Columbia Memorial Health. We in Columbia and Greene Counties are blessed with a very special hospital and caring staff. I would suggest, we as residents, support this institution in every way possible as one day it will be your turn to visit as it was mine.
I’ve had a home here for 16 years, but have never had cause to visit your ER or hospital beyond visiting a friend. Well, that changed this past week. What I wanted to share that from my time in the ER to my stay in the hospital I was impressed with the level of care I received and the friendly attitude that accompanied it. I was bracing for the worst, especially given the pandemic — and so was doubly surprised. What was also striking to me was that this was the case from the Doctor level to the maintenance level. And it wasn’t just me – I could observe the same treatment applied to others, some of whom were particularly challenging to deal with. Thank you for all you do and thank you for all you did for me on my recent visit. It’s great to know there’s a place like CMH to turn to when you’re amidst a health crisis.