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Fairview Upgrades Diagnostic Radiology Services with Purchase of 64-slice CT-Scan

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Physicians in Southern Berkshire County who need quick, detailed understanding of their patients’ condition now have access to state-of-the-art imaging technology thanks to the recent installation of a GE Optima 64-slice CT scanner at Fairview Hospital.

The new technology was built to provide higher standards of patient comfort and safety. Designed to be comfortable for patients of all ages and all sizes, the new technology also provides exceptionally clear images delivered at a minimum dosage level.

Located adjacent to Fairview’s Emergency Department, the new technology expands the range of applications able to be performed at Fairview, including angiography and neuroimaging procedures.

“The 64 slice CT allows an increase in the complexity of CT studies that we can do here. With a 64-slice CT you can image small blood vessels which we previously could not.  It complements our Diagnostic Radiology Department’s x-ray and ultrasound capability,“ said Dr. Alec Belman, chief of Fairview’s Emergency Department.

The new CT also advances Fairview’s role as a Massachusetts-DPH Primary Stroke Service.


“We can look at the internal contours of the blood vessels to determine if people would benefit from newer therapies such as 'clot removal' at bigger centers," Belman said. "This allows us to determine the best location for people to receive further stroke care.”

Dr. Lisa Loring, chairman of the BHS Department of Radiology, said the scanner will providing doctors with data that directly affects patient care and outcomes.

"This is another fine example of the commitment BHS has to providing state of the art care throughout the county," she said.

Each year, Fairview performs 5,200 CT scans, including both emergency, inpatient and outpatient cases, in addition to seeing over 13,000 patients in its Emergency Department.
 

 


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Toy Library Installed at Onota Lake

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Feel free to use or leave a toy at Onota Lake's newest infrastructure meant to foster community and benefit kids.

Burbank Park now has a toy library thanks to Wahconah Regional High School senior Alexandra Bills. Located along the wall at the beach area, the green and blue structure features two shelves with sand toys that can be used to enhance children's visits.

The Parks Commission supported Bills' proposal in February as part of her National Honors Society individual service project and it was installed this month. Measuring about 4 feet wide and 5.8 feet tall, it was built by the student and her father with donated materials from a local lumber company.

Friends and family members provided toys to fill the library such as pails, shovels, Frisbees, and trucks.

"I wanted to create a toy library like the other examples in Berkshire County from the sled library to the book libraries," she told the commission in February.

"But I wanted to make it toys for Onota Lake because a lot of kids forget their toys or some kids can't afford toys."

Bills lives nearby and will check on the library weekly — if not daily — to ensure the operation is running smoothly.  A sign reading "Borrow-Play-Return" asks community members to clean up after themselves after using the toys.

It was built to accommodate children's heights and will be stored during the winter season.

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