*Rouge Valley provides tests despite problem

Rouge Valley Health System
News Release

Aug. 14, 2009 — Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) continues to provide quality nuclear medicine tests for patients despite the continuing shutdown of a major supplier of the isotope needed for the diagnostic testing.

On Aug. 12, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) announced that a nuclear reactor in Chalk River, Ontario, will remain off line until the first quarter of 2010 to make necessary repairs.

"Nuclear isotopes are very important for the diagnosis of heart problems and cancer," says Dr. Joe Ricci, program chief of cardiology at RVHS.  RHVS has worked closely with suppliers to maintain excellent access to nuclear studies for patients and their physicians.

"Our hospital is providing full service for the patients of west Durham and east Toronto while this supply problem is being resolved," says Dr. Raymond Goh, program chief of diagnostic imaging.

Rouge Valley Health System is a regional cardiac centre.  Nuclear studies are an important complement to other advanced cardiac services at Rouge Valley Cardiology, including cardiac imaging, arrhythmia management, cardiac rehabilitation, angiography and angioplasty.

Rouge Valley Health System (RVHS) — The best at what we do
RVHS is an excellent acute care community hospital with many programs, including 24/7/365 emergency, cardiac care and mental health. Rouge Valley consists of several health sites, including two community hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary in east Toronto; and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering in west Durham. Together, a team of physicians (224 general practitioners and 325 specialists), 1,000 nurses and many other professionals care for a broad spectrum of health conditions. Working in consultation and partnership with community members, other hospitals, health care organizations, the Central East Local Health Integration Network and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Rouge Valley continues to improve its programs and cater to the needs of the growing communities of east Toronto, Ajax, Pickering and Whitby.

Contact
David Brazeau
Director
Public Affairs and Community Relations
Rouge Valley Health System
(647) 294-8885
dbrazeau@rougevalley.ca