The Chemainus Health Care Foundation’s recent purchase of two important pieces of equipment for the Chemainus Health Care Centre are gifts that keep on giving.
Both will dramatically improve the service to patients using the Urgent Care and laboratory facilities, according to CHCF president Kathleen Hepburn.
The Foundation made it a Merry Christmas with the unwrapping of the gifts in December, but both will be appreciated throughout the year, no matter what the date on the calendar.
A portable ultrasound was purchased for Urgent Care at a cost of $64,817.85.
The unit can easily be brought to a patient’s bedside and will provide the latest technology for helping to assess soft-tissue health or injury. This will greatly assist the physicians to determine the appropriate treatment and stabilization of patients in Urgent Care. There are three different attachments for scanning.
It also means patients can be assessed in Chemainus rather than having to travel to out-of-town facilities for thorough diagnosis.
Physicians really felt the ultrasound was important and committed to getting the training for it. It was not budgeted by Island Health so the Foundation stepped in.
It’s the same equipment used in other Urgent Care facilities such as Ladysmith.
The Foundation also purchased a digital numbered ticket system for the lab for $713.12.
There is now a clear, bright, electronic display of the number for the next person to be served. In the past, it’s been difficult for staff to make sure people waiting in the hallway could hear their number being called or for people to know exactly where their number was in the line-up for service.
It’s hoped this new addition will prevent such misunderstandings and better inform people waiting to see the technicians.
The Chemainus Health Care Foundation is dedicated to improving the health facilities and services available to the residents of Chemainus and area. Physicians also have an ongoing commitment to keeping and staffing Urgent Care for Chemainus.