CT scanner marks first year at the Whistler Health Care Centre

WHISTLER, BC -- More than 1,500 people have been able to access their CT scan at the Whistler Health Care Centre since the diagnostic imaging device began operations in that community a year ago.

The 64-slice CT scanner was a legacy gift to the residents of Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton from GE and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

“The new Whistler CT scanner has improved the provision of vital medical services for Sea to Sky corridor residents and visitors alike by providing them with the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “The CT scanner will remain a long-lasting legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and is a constant reminder of the power of health care partnerships.”

Although the scanner was a legacy gift, the diagnostic equipment required a major $2.28 renovation at the Whistler Health Care Centre. Residents in all Sea to Sky communities opened their wallets for the fundraising cause.

"The tremendous success of the CT project demonstrates the power of collaboration between the health care supporters and providers, business and the Sea to Sky communities working together to deliver world-class health care,” said Marnie Simon, past chairperson of the Whistler Health Care Foundation. “This is an alliance the corridor foundations have pledged to support for the future.”

The CT scanner at the Whistler Health Care Centre is currently processing 35 scans per week, and 18 per cent of the scans are done for emergency cases.

“The SSRHD is proud to be a part of this significant health care investment,” said Susie Gimse, Chair, Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District. “The CT scanner provides a vital service which contributes to the quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the corridor.”

The renovation project was jointly funded by the Provincial Government ($275,000), the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District ($1 million), and the health care foundations of Whistler ($901,000), Squamish ($75,000) and Pemberton ($29,000). In addition, the Squamish Hospital Foundation contributed $20,000 for Diagnostic Imaging training. Vancouver Coastal Health funds the new CT scanner’s operating costs by $200,000 annually.

Of the 1,500 patients – both residents and visitors alike – who received a scan over the past year at the Whistler Health Care Centre, 227 were emergency cases, allowing physicians and clinical staff to access critical diagnostic information on-site in a timely manner.

“Having the ability to do CT scans in Whistler means patients can now access this procedure where they live and play,” said Wendy Hansson, Chief Operating Officer, VCH-Coastal. “This means patients can access timely and quality hospital care right here in Whistler.”

CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan or CT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.

As a diagnostic tool, CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue—including bone, soft tissue and blood vessels—with great clarity. This allows radiologists to more easily diagnose cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $2.9 billion in community, hospital and residential care services to over one million people in communities from Richmond through Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Media contactTrudi Beutel
Public Affairs Officer
Vancouver Coastal Health
Phone: 604-708-5282
Cell: 604-812-1847
Email: Trudi.Beutel@vch.ca