A new digital radiographic X-ray unit funded by an $850,000 donation from a Sylvan Lake couple is now up and running.
The new unit at the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service reduces the need for patients to travel to larger centres, and improves the speed, accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.
Funding for the equipment came from Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori, who partnered with the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee to co-ordinate their gift.
“It is truly exciting to see this new equipment go into service for the benefit of the Sylvan Lake community and surrounding area,” say the Wuoris in a statement. “Everything has gone smoothly and we appreciate the co-operative relationship we have had with the Urgent Care Committee and Alberta Health Services.”
Unlike the facility’s previous X-ray machine, the new unit has the ability to perform image stitching, which connects multiple X-ray images together to create one high-resolution image. This is especially beneficial to patients with scoliosis and those in need of orthopedic surgery on a knee or hip, as local and area patients no longer have to travel to Red Deer or Olds.
About 900 X-rays are performed monthly at the facility.
“The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee celebrates this generous financial donation from Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori for the major X-ray upgrade and interior renovation,” says Susan Samson, chair of the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee.
“Our community and surrounding areas will benefit greatly from the Wuoris’ generosity.”
The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee raises funds and accepts donations for the purchase of medical equipment for the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service. The service opened in 2018 and offers treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.