Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
Physicians at Stuart Lake Hospital have requested a replacement for their existing older model point-of-care ultrasound machine.
According to April Hughes, health services administrator for the Omineca District, this new portable ultrasound machine would not be suitable for an ultrasound service which requires a more specialized machine and an ultrasound sonographer.
Instead, this machine would be used by an attending physician in assisting them with a critical decision to help direct their care.
“Examples would include checking for a clinical indication of a blood clot, internal bleeding, a collapsed lung and trauma related injuries to name a few,” Hughes said.
“The physicians would have a better picture of what is happening clinically with their patient and this would then better inform their care decisions and treatment choices. New medical graduates are familiar with using ultrasound as part of their training and rely heavily on the technology for their medical practice especially with emergency care.”
The physicians at Stuart Lake Hospital have requested that a new machine plus specialized training be made available to them.
“This would then provide them with an additional tool to those currently available at the hospital like x-ray and laboratory services,” Hughes said.
The machine is valued at $59,000.
Spirit of the North has committed $30,000 matching every dollar raised in the community.
The Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary has committed $15,000 to this cause.
The auxiliary remains dedicated to serving the needs of the hospital and donations from the community have been greatly appreciated.
Auxiliary member, Sherry Nielsen is thrilled with a recent donation from the Julian Family Trust.
“We are almost there. This will be a valuable piece of equipment and it will mean a lot to the hospital community.”
For more information and to donate, contact: (250) 565-2515 or online at: www.spiritofthenorth.ca