NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2026

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Thursday, March 5, 2026—Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), together with our partners in the NHH Foundation, are pleased to announce the completion of renovations to the Nuclear Imaging area of the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) department and the successful introduction of new SPECTCT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) equipment.

SPECT-CT is a non-invasive hybrid technology which combines the anatomical information of Computed Tomography (CT) with the functional information of Nuclear Medicine. By injecting a tracer, it maps 3D metabolic activity (such as blood flow) while the CT provides detailed anatomical images to pinpoint exact locations of disease. The result is a more comprehensive image, improving diagnostic accuracy and localization of abnormalities and enhancing the quality of clinical reporting to support patient care.

The introduction of the SPECT-CT to NHH’s Diagnostic Imaging department will complement the existing services already provided at NHH and enhance access to advanced diagnostic procedures for local providers and patients close to home. A key component of the hospital’s long-term capital equipment strategy, and the NHH Foundation’s Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care campaign, the new SPECTCT replaces original Nuclear Medicine equipment installed when the hospital opened at 1000 DePalma Drive in 2003 while, at the same time, offering alternate options to the hospital’s Computed Tomography equipment.

“I am excited about the improvements ahead and the positive impact this renovation and expanded testing capacity will have in supporting the continued growth of Diagnostic Imaging at NHH. Together these efforts will ensure that NHH remains well-positioned to continue to deliver high-quality care to our patients well into the future,” says Dr. Ketov, NHH Chief of Staff.

“I sincerely thank our referring providers and NHH’s Diagnostic Imaging team for their patience while we completed the necessary renovations and installation of our new equipment. We worked hard to minimize the disruption to patients, with support from area partners. Thank you also to our Project Management Office, Facilities team and Environmental Services, whose coordination, expertise and support have been instrumental in advancing this work,” says Dr. Karkhanechi, NHH’s Chief of Radiology.

“We are so grateful to all those who came together to make this 100% donor‑funded project possible,” says Rhonda Cunningham, CEO, NHH Foundation. “Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign and helped us strengthen healthcare close to home.”

“This is what teamwork looks like,” says Susan Walsh, NHH President and CEO. “Growth and continuous enhancement of NHH services would not be possible without it. The SPECT-CT is one of many growth projects undertaken at NHH in the past year, and I congratulate the team on completing this project on time and on budget while also juggling many other competing priorities. A very special thank you to the many donors who answered the call for support. Many members of this community will benefit from their generosity.”

Training on the new equipment is complete, and the team is now accepting patients. Referring providers are encouraged to use the direct e-referral process for nuclear imaging services to submit their referrals. Referral forms will also be found on the NHH website at nhh.ca in the Patient Services tab under Diagnostic Imaging.