A long-awaited CT Scanner is now operational at Mission Memorial Hospital.
The province announced Wednesday (Aug. 14) that the new computed tomography (CT) scanner is the most advanced in Fraser Health and is expected to provide more than 7,350 scans in the first year.
The scanner and associated renovations are estimated to cost $9.85 million. The Ministry of Health covered $7.28 million in funding, Fraser Health $1.44 million and $1.13 million from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, in partnership with Mission All Together for Healthcare (MATH).
The City of Mission, through the forestry department, donated $377,500 to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation to complete the CT scanner project in December 2022.
Meanwhile, the Mission Punj-Aab Culture Club also presented a cheque for $21,000 for the CT Scanner at the 2022 Vaisakhi Mela celebration. During the cheque presentation, it was announced that Sukh Grewal donated $550,000 as well.
Lanka Jewels owner Ken Selvaraja was also central to the push for a CT scanner, inspired by his late wife Sandra. MATH co-chair Dr. Andrew Edelson said the organization would like to dedicate the CT Scanner to Sandra Selvaraja and Mission Mayor Paul Horn recognized the Selvarajas' impact as well.
"Sandra's loss has meant that many others will have a chance to have a longer and better quality of life. There is no greater legacy, there is no greater gift and on behalf of our community, for your inspiration and her inspiration, thank you so much," Horn said.
Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation executive director Elizabeth Harris said community support helped realize a significant milestone for Mission medical care.
“By not having to travel to other communities for CT scans, residents of Mission and the eastern Fraser Valley will get more timely diagnosis and better imaging care,” Harris said.
MATH co-chair Dr. Andrew Edelson said the CT scanner is an essential piece of equipment that will benefit patients, improve health, and save time and money.
“We are grateful for the cooperation of our government, Fraser Health, and of course, the community’s response,” Edelson said.
Abbotsford-Mission MLA Pam Alexis said the investment is a step toward making health care more accessible in Mission and the surrounding areas.
“The new CT scanner will reduce wait times for medical imaging and provide people in the region with scan 24/7, and ensure that they receive the diagnosis and treatment they need close to home,” Alexis said in a news release.
CT scanners allow doctors to diagnose medical issues that are otherwise not visible. The process is commonly used for assessing trauma and brain conditions, chest and abdominal anomalies, monitoring cancers, and for pre-operative and post-operative assessments.
