The Cat Came Back – with an upgrade!

Donors Power Major CT Scanner Upgrade at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital

The first CT scanner at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital, a result of the successful “Back the CAT” fundraising campaign in 2006, was a landmark achievement for Sunshine Coast healthcare delivery. That CatScan was replaced in 2016, and today is due for an important upgrade to extend its lifespan and ensure it continues serving our community for years to come. For context, our local Imaging Department performed 10,123 CT scans in the past 12 months. That’s a hard-working Cat!

The new upgrade will allow approximately 70% faster scanning and image reconstruction times while reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality. The enhanced system will also introduce valuable new software capabilities, including metal artifact image clarity for patients with hip and knee replacements and other implants.

Additionally, the upgraded CT scanner will expand the types of scans available locally in Sechelt, including coronary artery calcium scoring, an important procedure in assessing cardiovascular risk and supporting preventive heart care. “Residents who require these specialized scans will no longer need to travel as frequently to Lions Gate Hospital, saving time and stress for patients and families,” said Dr. Mark Madden, Radiologist, Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital.

Dr. Graham Lea, Physician at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital emphasized the significance of the investment, saying, “This upgrade is important for our residents’ health care. It’s hard to overstate the value of CT as a diagnostic tool, just as it is hard to overstate the importance of having such a scanner on this side of the water instead of being a ferry ride away.”

“Our Coast’s collective generosity and continued support of healthcare has a direct and lasting impact on our community,” stated Jane Macdonald, Executive Director, Sechelt Hospital Foundation, adding, “anything we can do to extend the life and operability of our CT scanner is money incredibly well spent. If we could give this Cat nine lives, we’d do that too!”.

This investment demonstrates once again how important community contributions are to Sechelt Hospital Foundation.  The continued support of local health care has a direct and lasting impact on our community. The best medicine (and philanthropy!) is local.