New CT scanner to improve diagnostic imaging at Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre

Powerful diagnostic tool to provide 1,000 scans per year, reduce travel for patients

DRAYTON VALLEY – A new CT scanner in Drayton Valley will allow local residents to access this vital diagnostic imaging tool every year without leaving the community.

The Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation raised funds through a $1.8-million campaign geared towards equipment and renovations. The new, high-definition scanner has capacity to provide 1,000 scans a year for patients in Drayton Valley and neighbouring communities.

Previously, patients would be transported to Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities in Edmonton or other larger centres to have a CT scan, which is used to verify the presence or absence of tumors, infections, abnormal anatomy or changes within the body resulting from trauma.

“Alberta Health Services is working to ensure Albertans have timely access to healthcare services in communities across the province,” says Kathy Howe, area director, Central Zone, North. “With the new CT scanner, patients here will now be able to access the services they need without having to travel to Edmonton or another centre.”

Howe says the quality of diagnostic imaging is now well beyond what was previously available in the community. “Having this technology locally will definitely reduce the turnaround time in diagnostics for the physician and patient. That’s most important.”

“Our donors embody the spirit of philanthropy,” says Colleen Sekura, Fund Development Officer for the Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation. “The community really stepped up to help us make the goal of a new CT scanner for the hospital a reality. The foundation has raised $1.8 million — including a $600,000 donation from the Drayton Valley Hospital Auxiliary, $285,000 from the Turner Foundation and $50,000 from Pembina Pipeline.”

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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