CT Scanner at Clinical Centre of Montenegro Set to Reopen This Week

Patients at the Clinical Centre of Montenegro can expect the CT scanner to resume operations this week, with full functionality anticipated by January 10, 2024. The facility has faced significant disruptions since December 15, 2023, when one of the two CT scanners became inoperable, resulting in the cancellation or rescheduling of approximately 840 planned scans over the past month.

In response to public complaints about the inability to secure previously scheduled CT imaging, management at the Clinical Centre confirmed that repairs are underway on the Philips Incisive CT scanner. They emphasized that no patients requiring urgent or priority scans have been denied necessary medical services during this period.

To mitigate the impact of the malfunctioning scanner, patients have been redirected to the General Hospital Bar with special transport arrangements provided. This proactive measure aims to ensure that those with prior appointments are seen promptly once the CT scanner is operational again.

The Clinical Centre of Montenegro noted that when both CT scanners are functioning, they typically perform between 90 and 120 CT scans daily, catering to both urgent cases and scheduled outpatients.

Earlier communications from the Clinical Centre had indicated a malfunction in their 64-slice CT scanner, with assurances that no patient would experience delays in diagnostic services. Staff at the facility reorganized workflows to utilize a 128-slice CT scanner located on the first floor of the main building, allowing them to continue providing essential services while repairs were conducted.

As maintenance work on the CT scanner was reported to the Engineering and Technical Maintenance Service of the Clinical Centre, the authorized service technician diagnosed the issue, which required a specified time for resolution.

Patients can rest assured that if additional capacity is needed, the multi-slice CT scanner at the Children’s Diseases Institute will also be made available for diagnostic purposes.

Concerns from the public were highlighted through social media, with one individual sharing a distressing experience about his mother receiving a text message to confirm an appointment for January 10, only to discover upon arrival that the scanner was not operational. The user expressed frustration over the lack of consideration for patients’ conditions and the potential challenges they face in returning for their appointments.

The Clinical Centre’s management continues to emphasize their commitment to patient care, assuring the public that they are taking all necessary steps to restore full service as quickly as possible.