Funds secured for CT scanning suite at local health centre

Diagnostic imaging technology expected to be available in Lac La Biche in 2020

LAC LA BICHE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has partnered with the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation to bring a computed tomography (CT) scanner to the William J. Cadzow-Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre.

The Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation has raised $2.1 million to fully fund the development of a CT scan suite at the health centre thanks to a $750,000 donation from Carmen Nashim and family in memory of Frank Nashim, and a generous commitment from the County of Lac La Biche to match community donations.

“A CT scanner will help families from Lac La Biche and surrounding communities receive these specialized diagnostic services close to home,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health.

“Thank you to the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation and the Nashim family for their generous contribution. This project is a wonderful example of how compassionate Albertans, local communities and government can work together to support greater healthcare delivery for Alberta patients and families.”

The scanner is expected to be in operation in 2020 and used for about 850 exams annually. It will also serve residents of several nearby communities such as Hylo, Kikino, Plamondon and the Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement.

The foundation has been raising community support for a new CT scanner since the organization was established in 2015.

“This is another milestone in our partnership with the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation,” says AHS CEO and President Dr. Verna Yiu.
 
“We are grateful for this organization’s phenomenal ability to harness community spirit and generosity to advance healthcare for the community.”

Every year, more than 800 local residents travel to Edmonton, St. Albert, Westlock and Cold Lake to get a CT scan. This diagnostic imaging produces cross-sectional patterned images that create 3-D views of the body to give doctors a good picture of what’s going on inside. This vastly increases the doctor’s ability to screen for and more accurately diagnose medical conditions, including head injuries, cancer and dementia.

Construction of the CT scan suite is expected to start within the year. AHS will fund the suite’s estimated annual operating cost of $450,000, including staff and maintenance.

“Having this important piece of diagnostic equipment takes our hospital to the next level in becoming a centre of medical excellence. This is going to save lives on a regular basis,” says Zicki Eludin, Chair of the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation.

“I am so proud of how our community, individuals, families, small businesses, corporations, service clubs and, of course, Lac La Biche County came together so quickly to make it happen.”

Adds Lac La Biche County Mayor Omer Moghrabi: “Just like the dialysis unit, the new CT scanner is a key piece of equipment for revitalizing our hospital. Canada has a great public healthcare system, but rural Canadians do not always have equal access to services.

“Rural hospitals and their staff need local tools to keep patients in good health. I’m very pleased that the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation, Lac La Biche County and Alberta Health Services have worked together to improve health services for everyone in the region, including the County’s neighbouring municipalities, First Nations and Métis Settlements.”

The Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization created to raise funds to bring medical equipment and enhanced healthcare to the Lac La Biche region.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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