A new CT scanner is being welcomed by the people of Kitimat, B.C., thanks to a recent $900,000 donation from LNG Canada towards the purchase of this critically-needed medical equipment for the community.
Dr. Li Huang, general practitioner at the Kitimat General Hospital, described the news as being “huge.”
“It’s going to help us a great deal to get the CT scanner. We’ve been wanting to have one for many years. It will for sure improve patient care,” he said in a video posted by LNG Canada.
The investment is the latest in a long string of community support from the natural gas export project. LNG Canada says overall it has contributed more than $10 million to programs and equipment benefiting Kitimat, Terrace and First Nations communities.
Laurel D’Andrea, president of the Kitimat General Hospital Foundation, said patients currently have to be transported or drive to Terrace if they need to have a CT scan.
“There have been times that patients had to go as far as Prince George or they’ve had to be flown to Vancouver depending on the situation,” she said.
Photo courtesy LNG Canada
A computed tomography (CT) scanner is a large donut-shaped machine that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
This can help diagnose tumors, investigate internal bleeding, and check for internal injuries or damage, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“The Kitimat General Hospital Foundation brought us a wish list. On there was a CT scanner,” said Miranda Ross, social investment and community liaison advisor with LNG Canada.
The Kitimat General Hospital and Health Centre has close to 60 beds, two operating rooms, an emergency department and other critical care units, including a medical imaging department.
LNG Canada has committed more than $1 million, including the donation for the CT scanner, in new funding to support the hospital.
Cynthia Medeiros, executive director of the Kitimat General Hospital Foundation, said LNG Canada has also donated $25,000 for a new ECG (electrocardiogram machine) for the hospital’s lab. The company also gave the foundation $10,000 for harm reduction supplies.
“The impact I see just rolling out for many years,” Medeiros said.
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