Radiology a better place thanks to Dr. J

Dr. Andrew Jamieson. (Photo from book This House of Healing PECMH by Alan R Capon)

In 2010 a state-of-the-art digital radiography department was completed at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital as a result of generous donations from the community. However, this was not the first time that the x-ray dept had been updated. In 1984 Radiologist Dr. Andrew Jamieson was hired by the PECMH Board of Directors as head of the Radiology Dept. At the time of his hiring Dr. Jamieson requested that the hospital purchase an ultrasound and mammography machine within approximately six months. As is the case today, the hospital did not have extra funds to purchase new equipment. The PECMH Auxiliary was approached and very kindly made a substantial donation toward the purchase of an ultrasound machine. Belleville General Hospital was about to purchase a new mammography machine and we were able to obtain their old machine. The Auxiliary helped us out again. Over the years, this very fine group of dedicated volunteers has helped to purchase a wide variety of equipment for our local hospital. As a point of interest, they are celebrating their 80th anniversary on Sept.18th having raised over two million dollars over those 80 years. Both the Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation are continuously fundraising for much needed equipment for our award-winning local hospital. Please consider making a donation. I can assure you that the funds raised by these two groups are used ONLY to purchase equipment for our local hospital.

The introduction of ultrasound and mammography in 1984 was important. Up to that time, County residents had to travel to Belleville or Kingston for these tests. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Dr. Jamieson for introducing these two much need services 30 years ago. He was also instrumental in introducing many special procedures to the x-ray department. In the 15 years that I worked with him, I could not help but notice how kind and compassionate he was to the patients. I think that staff and colleagues who worked with Dr. J would agree that for 25 years, the Radiology Dept. at PECMH was a better place because of him. He retired in 2009. Andrew and his wife Georgie are leaving the County shortly and moving to Ottawa to be closer to family. We wish them all the best. They deserve no less.

Fran Renoy, Picton.