July 3, 2014
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE — Local residents now have access to a new endoscopy system that offers improved diagnosis and screening for diseases of the colon and stomach.
The new endoscopy system, now in use at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, is capable of screening the entire colon, which is essential for effective screening of colon cancer. With the previous equipment, physicians were only able to examine the stomach and lower large bowel.
Funds raised by the Rocky Mountain House Health Care Donations Committee were used to purchase the new system, as well as four new colonoscopes and four new gastroscopes.
“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Alberta. There is strong medical evidence to show that colorectal cancer screening can reduce colorectal cancer deaths,” says site manager Shirley Hope.
“With our new state-of-the-art scopes and camera equipment, we’re now able to offer improved screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer and other bowel disease. As well, the new gastroscopes will be used to view the esophagus and stomach for ulcers and other illnesses.”
More than 600 colonoscopies have been performed using the new system since it went into operation last October.
Local resident Teresa Smith says she was pleased to access colonoscopy services without leaving town. “It was so convenient to be able to have my colonoscopy here in Rocky,” she says. “You have to prep for the test and you need a friend to drive you. It’s much harder to get screened if someone has to take a whole day off to drive you to Red Deer.”
The Rocky Mountain House Health Care Donations Committee initially set a fundraising goal of $150,000 for this project and exceeded that goal by $25,000. Supported by the David Thompson Health Trust, the Rocky Mountain House Health Care Donations Committee has raised more than $1.2 million since 2006 to enhance health care in the community.
"Rocky Mountain House donors have once again demonstrated the value they place on health care,” says Corrie Fortner, Executive Director with the David Thompson Health Trust. “The endoscopy campaign goal was surpassed through generous support from the business and private sector, as well as the time spent by the committee working on the campaign.”
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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