Latest in PET/CT scan tech coming to Royal Alex

Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation gifts $1M to Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation to support new scanner

Story & photo by Amelia Schofield

EDMONTON — The Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation is bringing the latest in PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography) Scan technology to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.

With their generosity, the Royal Alexandra Hospital will become home to Canada’s highest-resolution digital PET/CT system. This leading-edge diagnostic tool will provide the ability to detect, diagnose, stage and treat many forms of cancer and a wide range of other conditions.

The system will also enhance the hospital’s leadership in medical training and research, and furthermore, by radiologists and neurologists to develop and expand concussion protocols to more effectively treat and mitigate brain injuries.

Dr. Ryan Hung, of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry – Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging Department, says the new PET/CT system will make a difference to patients and further research in the field.

“This PET scanner will help substantially toward achieving the promise of precision medicine at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, by improving access to PET imaging for patients throughout Northern Alberta as well as enabling new PET biomarker imaging research,” he says.

“Having a new scanner at Royal Alexandra Hospital will help to enable future biomarker PET imaging research, including cancer and cardiac imaging.”

Andrew Otway, president and CEO of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, extends gratitude to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for supporting this vital equipment.

“It is with tremendous gratitude the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation accepts this incredible gift from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation,” he says.

“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation’s generous donation allows us to complete our fundraising campaign, meaning patients will soon have the right care, at the right time, right here at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.”

The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. Their support has touched many areas of healthcare, including the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, the patient Healing Garden, and other innovative and patient-centred clinical priorities.

Janet Riopel, board chair, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, shares they’re pleased to continue their strong partnership with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.

“The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is proud to continue its legacy of supporting health and wellness initiatives, and finding long-term solutions to build strong, vibrant and safe communities. This scanner will ensure that patients in Oil Country are getting the best possible care in order to recover and thrive.”

For their significant contribution toward advancing healthcare, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation will recognize the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation with a donor plaque placed near the PET/CT scanner, along with recognition on the Foundation’s master donor wall within the main entrance of the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s Active Treatment Centre.

If you would like more information on how to support the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, please visit here.

Visit ahs.ca/give for a full list of Alberta’s health foundations.