Ultrasound Devices Will Aid Diagnosis of COVID-19 and Other Ailments in CMH’s Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit and Rapid Care Centers in Valatie and Copake

Hudson, N.Y. July 21, 2020

Columbia Memorial Health today announced it has received three ultrasound scanning devices donated by “Radiologists Without Borders.” Useful in many applications, the handheld devices are particularly well suited to be used at the bedside to generate chest scans of COVID-19 patients, eliminating the need to move patients to other areas where traditional scanning equipment is installed in fixed locations.

The devices will be used in CMH’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit in Hudson, and at its Rapid Care Centers in Valatie and Copake, further enhancing CMH’s advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Founded by Dr. Tariq Gill (who is also CMH’s Chief of Radiology), Radiologists Without Borders (RWB) is an American-based, non-profit organization committed to improving health and livelihood by supplying diagnostic imaging equipment, services, training, and support.

“This technology is very helpful in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and can be employed in a manner that reduces patient movement and the potential exposure risks associated with that movement,” said Dr. Gill.

This is not the first time CMH and RWB have worked together. According to Dr. Gill, CMH has donated lifesaving medical equipment and supplies to RWB that have been used to treat civilian casualties in the Ukraine.

“The mission of Radiologists Without Borders extends around the globe, including right here at home, and we are very proud to support CMH as we all work together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Jay P. Cahalan, President and CEO of CMH, said: “These handheld ultrasound devices will add to CMH’s vast array of the most advanced imaging technology, which already includes 3D mammography, digital X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI and numerous other imaging platforms. We are very grateful to Radiologists Without Borders for sharing our commitment to providing the very best care possible to the people of our region.”

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ABOUT COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH

Columbia Memorial Health is an advanced multi-specialty healthcare system serving more than 100,000 residents in Columbia, Greene and Dutchess counties at more than 35 primary care and specialty care centers. In addition, CMH’s inpatient hospital, located in Hudson, has served our region since 1893 and is one of the most innovative and technically advanced facilities in the Hudson Valley. Columbia Memorial Health, along with Albany Med, Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital, is part of the Albany Med Health System, the largest locally governed health system in the region. Learn more at columbiamemorialhealth.org.

Contribute to CMH’s COVID-19 Defense Fund at: https://givecmh.org/covid-19-defense-fund/