Jerold Phelps Community Hospital (JPCH) and Southern Humboldt Community Healthcare District (SHCHD) are thrilled to announce that we will break ground on the site of our new computed tomography (CT) scanner this Wednesday. The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on November 8th at 4:30 p.m. at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in Garberville to commemorate this exciting milestone. Please meet us at the lot next to the Emergency Room (ER) and out-patient entrance. Afterward, refreshments will be offered in the hospital Dimmick Room. We would be honored if our community would join us at this momentous event.

The launch of CT services at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital is a substantial advancement for Southern Humboldt medical services.

The extensive permitting process is complete, and a contractor has been hired to start the preparation of the land, pavement, and foundation for the building that will house our CT scanner. We anticipate the completion of our project in early 2018. Radiology Manager, Lora Simone, is nationally licensed in CT. In anticipation of the CT program, her radiologic technologists are becoming CT certified to perform these critical medical exams as well.

CT scans allow providers to look for disorders of the brain, bones, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses, to name a few. This type of scan creates combinations of computer-processed measurements taken from various angles to create cross-sectional (tomographic) images. Providers can view virtual “slices” of the inside of the body without cutting. By compiling these images, the computer generates a three-dimensional view of bodily structures. With this high-tech information, the patient’s provider can more easily check for irregularities and health conditions.

The launch of CT services at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital is a substantial advancement for Southern Humboldt medical services. Being able to provide this level of imaging service to our community will improve patient care by providing a safe, more complete and faster diagnostic assessment.

Once the CT program is in place, our ER physicians can order an immediate CT scan in-house. Then our physicians can determine if more specialty treatment is necessary or if the patient is able to be released the same day. The CT will decrease transfers out of our ER and reduce the time that it takes for completion of our patient’s emergency care. Having a CT scanner on-site will also allow the Southern Humboldt Community Clinic providers, as well as other providers in the surrounding area, to order CT scans that can be performed in Garberville. This will significantly reduce patient travel time and expense that is required to go to distant facilities.

We appreciate our community’s support and patience in this long but vital endeavor. We will continue to keep the community up to date on our progress. The Board, Administration, and staff at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital look forward to celebrating with you tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.

Angela Snelbaker, former Outreach Department Manager for SHCHD, including Jerold Phelps Community Hospital, Emergency Room, Lab, X-Ray, and Clinic.