The East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) launched a new fundraising campaign aimed at purchasing an ultrasound machine for the Invermere and District Hospital.
The campaign, dubbed Beneath the Surface, seeks to raise $340,000 to pay for an ultrasound machine, room renovations, and the technology and accessories required to run the service.
“It’s something residents of the Columbia Valley have waited too long for, and now they’re finally getting it,” said Brenna Baker, EKFH Executive Director.
“As soon as we raise those funds, they will start renovations in the room and get the equipment in place.”
Once it gets added to the healthcare facility, the new equipment will save residents from long trips to get an ultrasound.
“Currently, people have to travel outside of the area and it could be a couple of days or months before they can get an appointment,” said Baker.
“This is going to be a service that will have a much shorter waiting time with no travelling.”
Ultrasounds allow physicians to look inside a patient’s body and understand their symptoms.
“This is something they will have done in their own facility and get the results right away,” said Baker.
“It’s huge and quite an improvement to rural health care in the area.”
Ultrasound can be used to provide a wealth of information to physicians, including the structure and composition of internal organs, tissues and vessels.
“Ultrasound is performed on every type of patient, in every area of care. Whether you are a pregnant mother, an elderly person having breathing problems, or a child with abdomen pains, ultrasound can help diagnose and treat a patient,” said the EKFH.
Donations can be accepted here, by calling 250-489-6481 or mailing a donation to East Kootenay Foundation for Health, 13 24th Avenue North Cranbrook BC, V1C 3H9.
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