January 26, 2021
Rebecca Walter, combined lab and X-ray technologist, demonstrates the new digital radiographic X-ray unit at the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service. The equipment was made possible through a donation from local residents Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori to the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee.
Story by Amelia Schofield | Photo by Melissa Ballantyne
Patients are already benefiting from a new digital radiographic X-ray unit at the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service which reduces travel for patients and improves the speed, accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.
Unlike the facility’s previous X-ray machine, the new unit has the ability to perform image stitching, which can join multiple X-ray images 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. The service performs about 900 X-rays monthly.
“This new technology will reduce the time it takes to gather images and send them to a physician for review. That means patients will receive results sooner than with the previous machine,” says Valerie Thompson, area director, Lacombe, Ponoka and Red Deer counties.
The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee is funding the new equipment through a gift of $850,000 from local residents Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori.
“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, Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee. "Our community and surrounding areas will benefit greatly from the Wuoris’ generosity."
“It is truly exciting to see this new equipment go into service for the benefit of the Sylvan Lake community and surrounding area,” the Wuoris say 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.”
Devin Dreeshen, MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, adds his appreciation: “This generous donation from the Wuori family is a testament to the strength and compassion of Albertans. I’m impressed when innovative thinkers work together to bring advanced health equipment to our communities, ultimately building a strong and healthy Alberta for years to come.”
“Alberta Health Services is extremely grateful for this general donation,” says Thompson. “It isn’t just an investment in healthcare — it’s an investment in the entire community.”
