It is with great excitement that East Kootenay Foundation for Health announces the launch of an 18-month campaign to raise $650,000 for the purchase of a permanent MRI to be located at East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
Currently the East Kootenay region has access to the mobile MRI unit for one week per month, sharing this unit with Trail and Penticton. The limited access to the mobile unit has meant long wait times and in many instances patient travel outside the region to access MRI services in Kelowna or Calgary.
“We are thrilled to be the recipients of a new permanent MRI,” said professional practice leader (diagnostic imagine) Anthea Gill. “We hope to significantly increase the number of exams we can perform, reducing our wait times which will really benefit the residents of the East Kootenay. Patients will no longer have to travel for this much needed service, and we also hope to be able to perform MRI exams on patients of higher acuity with a fixed magnet.”
Patients requiring urgent MRI exams are often the most seriously ill. The permanent MRI will mean quicker exams and results, positively impacting both patients and family during a stressful time. The improved health outcomes of a timely diagnosis truly cannot be measured.
“We look forward to helping bring this important piece of equipment to EKRH for the benefit of the entire East Kootenay,” said EKFH executive director Cassandra Shwara. “EKFH is looking forward to an exciting 18 month campaign that will span the entire East Kootenay region. The MRI will service the East Kootenay and we hope to see the entire East Kootenay community come together to support this Campaign and bring this much needed piece of equipment permanently to our region.”
To learn more or donate to the EKFH MRI campaign, visit www.ekfh.ca.
EAST KOOTENAY FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH