June 15, 2015
LETHBRIDGE — Patients here can now benefit from a new retina camera that delivers state-of-the-art diagnostics for certain conditions at the Locatelli Eye Centre at Chinook Regional Hospital.
The $92,500 Heidelberg Spectralis HRA FA Advanced System camera was made possible through funding from 10 southern Alberta Lions Clubs ($57,700), the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation via the Locatelli Endowment Fund ($27,250) and the Odd Fellow Endowment Fund ($7,550).
The diagnostic camera uses laser technology to produce an image of the retina, located at the back of the eyeball, which helps clinic staff to assess and manage various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Lions Clubs which contributed to the project include: Picture Butte and District Lions Club; Cowley Lions Club; Stirling Lions Club; Warner Lions Club; Taber Lions Club; Pincher Creek/Cowley Roaring Lions Club; Lethbridge Lakeview Lions Club; Cardston Lions Club; Carmangay Lions Club; West Lethbridge Lions Club; Lions of Alberta Foundation; and Lethbridge Host Lions Club.
Since its installation in March, the camera has generated high-definition images in the assessment of 70 patients. It replaces older, lower-definition technology that dates back to the early 1990s.
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation raises, receives and distributes funds for equipment and programs that will enhance patient services and health programs in our community. This support will go to any area of need in the Chinook Regional Hospital but specifically toward medical equipment, facilities, staff and patient education, health promotion programs and patient services.
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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