Sometimes when a patient is unable to be transported, their healthcare team needs to do an x-ray exam wherever they are in Sechelt Hospital. Last year, more than 13,500 x-ray exams were performed on patients at Sechelt Hospital; more than 1,000 of those exams required portable x-ray assistance.
Medical imaging currently provides portable x-ray exams at Sechelt Hospital using just one machine. Portable services are crucial for certain emergency department exams when transport is not possible, as well as for COVID patients, tube placement procedures, critical care patient exams and for newborns who are in distress.
“As the demand for medical imaging services and hours of operation expand here on the Sunshine Coast, we rely on specialized equipment to help deliver the best patient care. Having a portable x-ray machine allows imaging technicians to work quickly and with precision, aiding physicians with patient diagnostics. What we have in Sechelt is the same as what is offered at other critical care health units on the Lower Mainland. Having the right piece of equipment on site saves everyone time and delivers care when and where it is needed most,” remarked Kelsey Oxley, site supervisor for Sechelt Hospital’s Medical Imaging Department.
Thanks to the funds raised by the Hospital Foundation’s Art of Healing event last October, a gift from an estate and contributions by several donors who designate funds for capital equipment upgrades, Sechelt Hospital Foundation (SHF) swiftly approved the funding request by Vancouver Coastal Health (VC) leadership for this new equipment. Marie Duperreault, VCH director for the Sunshine Coast and Sechelt Hospital, expressed her “sincere thanks to the foundation and donors for the generous gift to support our patients and Medical Imaging services team here at Sechelt Hospital.” The equipment was ordered, installed, and put to work immediately, as of Feb. 24.
Donor contributions make a significant difference to our community hospital and health care services on the Sunshine Coast. “Thanks to everyone’s help, our community continues to support making the best medicine local, and even portable, now!” remarked Jane Macdonald, SHF executive director.
SHF asks people to please consider making a contribution to the foundation. Donations will go to the area of greatest need. Call or email: Jane Macdonald, executive director 604-885-8637 or sh.foundation@vch.ca. To donate visit: www.SecheltHospitalFoundation.org. Charitable Registration Number: 88915-7194-RR-0001.
