Two new pieces of equipment, an operating microscope for the diagnosis and treatment of ear disease as well as a new ultrasound machine have recently been incorporated into the services offered by Mineral Community Hospital.

The new equipment will allow the medical professionals at MCH two more tools in their treatment of patients as well as give county residents a closer alternative to Missoula for their medical needs.

“It’s a great instrument,” MCH Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Dr. Bruce McClelland said. “Without it an ENT doctor would be lost. Now that we have it I ask myself how I ever got along without it.”

Dr. McClelland added that the device has many applications ranging from making it easier for young patients to have foreign objects removed from their ear to the treatment of painful ailments such as swimmer’s ear.

“We can accomplish a lot without any discomfort to the patient,” Dr. McClelland said. “They can leave the office relieved.”

Mineral Community Hospital has also enhanced its ultrasound services with the recent purchase of a GE Logic 9 ultrasound machine and delivery of same-day ultrasound results to patients’ providers.

The expansion of hours in the department also serves to increase service – MCH ultrasound services are now offered 40 hours weekly. Referrals to MCH ultrasound services are made through patients’ providers.

Ultrasound, a safe imaging tool, uses high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the body and bounce off of internal structures. Ultrasound may be used to monitor pregnancies and study organs in the pelvis and abdomen, such as the gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, liver, pancreas, ovaries and uterus. The process may also be used to detect blood clots in other parts of the body.

Deena Buchanan is MCH’s Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. She is registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and has 14 years of experience in the field.