Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) has installed a new, fully-community funded, state-of-the-art, X-ray system in its diagnostic imaging wing.
The health services announced the news March 11.
HHHS said the installation of the Siemens Ysio X.pree marks a significant upgrade to the hospital’s X-ray system, that had served the diagnostic imaging department since 2014.
They added one of the system’s key advantages is advanced automation, which simplifies positioning by allowing the X-ray tube and detector to move automatically into preset exam positions, enabling technologists to set up exams quickly and consistently.
The system MaxTouch touchscreen interface on the tube head allows technologists to adjust settings, verify patient information, and review images directly at the patient’s side, eliminating the need to return to the main console, helping streamline exams while improving the patient experience.
The system also introduces Virtual Ortho, an advanced imaging application that creates long-length orthopedic images; such as full spine or lower-limb studies by seamlessly stitching together multiple X-ray exposures into a single high-quality image for accurate measurement, diagnosis, and pre-operative planning.
Previously, patients requiring this specialized imaging were often referred to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay or Peterborough Regional Health Centre. HHHS said with this capability now available locally, patients can access the important diagnostic service closer to home, reducing the need for travel.
HHHS’s integrated director of diagnostics, Gail Kennedy, said “the evolution of imaging technology over the past decade has been remarkable. The Ysio X.pree allows us to provide faster exams, enhanced image quality, and improved patient safety, all while supporting the ergonomic health of our technologists. This investment ensures our community continues to receive high-quality diagnostic care close to home.”
Executive director of the HHHS Foundation, Melanie Klodt Wong, added “our community continues to show what’s possible when people come together. Thanks to the generosity of donors through the Here for You in the Highlands campaign, this new X-ray machine will help ensure patients can access the care they need when they need it.”
HHHS said the new X-ray space has been thoughtfully designed to be ergonomically supportive for staff and more spacious and comfortable for patients.
“HHHS extends its sincere gratitude to the community for making this investment in local health care possible. Together, we are strengthening diagnostic services, embracing innovation, and continuing our commitment to delivering exceptional care in the Haliburton Highlands,” the health services said.
Since 2024, the service has spent $6 million on a CT scanner, mammography service and now X-ray.
HHHS added that, beginning March 16, changes will also be implemented in the emergency department (ED) to support improved workflow and better serve the community.
Ernst said, “we are making changes in the ED to improve patient flow, and converting the room previously used for X-ray into a mental health room to support community members and families when they need a private space, and more.”
CT cuts ambulance trips
The director of the Haliburton County Ambulance Service said there has been a significant decrease in the call volume for inter-facility transfers since the CT scanner began operating in July 2024.
In the past, the local service was taking people to hospitals in Lindsay, Peterborough and Bracebridge.
Michael Slatter said from 2020 to 2023, the number of inter-facility transfers had been steadily increasing year over year. He added the 2024 numbers were trending on par with 2023 until a noted decrease in July, with a significant difference from August to December of 2024.
“With a full year of data, 2025 shows that the downward trend of inter-facility transfers continued with a 67 per cent decrease from the 2023 peak,” he said.
Slatter said a single inter-facility transfer takes an average of four to six hours out of a 12-hour shift – but they’d reduced the average of three transfers per day in 2023 to one per day in 2025. He said that equates to a greater ability to maintain paramedic coverage throughout Haliburton County without the need to immediately add additional ambulances.
Slatter noted a positive impact on vehicle mileage and fuel costs. From 2020-2023, there was a 32 per cent increase in yearly mileage from 345,815 total kilometres to 478,669 total kilometres. From 2023-2025 there was a 19 per cent decrease in yearly mileage from 478,669 total kilometres to 395,553 total kilometres. He said the savings on fuel is a little more difficult due to the market, however, from 2023-2025 there has been a 27 per cent decrease in fuel expenses.
