St. Mary's Hospital needs a CAT scanner. Over 200 people came out to support the launch of a $2 million dollar fundraising effort to secure one last Saturday.
"CAT scanners are no longer a luxury. They are a basic diagnostic tool needed for medical care," John Rees, chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional District said at the launch.
A Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) scanner provides far better information to doctors than the old-fashioned X-ray St. Mary's now uses.
The machine rotates while making X-ray images. The computer processes the multiple X-rays into more complete images, giving doctors a clearer picture of the scanned area, which greatly improves diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Vancouver Coastal Health recently denied the Coast's request for a CAT scanner, saying the money was needed elsewhere.
"They're saying there just isn't the money for it now. But for our community, it is a priority, so if we want one now we're going to have to pay for it," said Alice Janisch, communications person with the fundraising initiative Back the CAT.
She noted the planned expansion of the hospital in 2009 includes a room for a CAT scanner, but the scanner itself is not guaranteed. "The new hospital in Powell River has a room but no CAT scanner," she noted.
Currently patients on the Coast in need of a CAT scan are sent to the Lower Mainland to have one, which can be a lengthy and uncomfortable process.
"Consider the typical experience of a patient in need of a CAT scan. If you have an accident or mysterious symptoms, you're in pain, you're afraid. You go to St. Mary's where you're examined and admitted. You're sent to Lions Gate by ambulance for a CAT scan- - a journey of at least two hours overall. After the scan, you may remain there for surgery or make the return trip to St. Mary's - a day spent travelling while you're in pain and fearful of the outcome," said a pamphlet circulated at the launch.
Last year more than 1,700 patients from the Coast travelled to the Lower Mainland for a CAT scan. Some of them made that journey only to find their symptoms were not serious.
"This good news could have been theirs in less than an hour at St. Mary's," the pamphlet continued.
The reasons for securing a local CAT scanner are obvious, but the cost is daunting.
"We need to raise $2 million in a little over six months," Rees said to a comment of "no problem," and cheers from the audience at the fundraising launch on the lawn of St. Mary's Hospital.
So far the hospital foundation and the hospital/health care auxiliary have raised over $580,000 in donations, including major gifts from the Sunshine Coast Credit Union, Coast Cable and a generous individual who wishes to remain anonymous.
The fundraising campaign is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Walter Burtnick, whose medical service to the people of the Coast is legendary.
He handled everything from delivery of babies to terminal care of patients and all things in between. He made rounds daily at St. Mary's, even on Christmas with his children.
For 45 years he worked as a health professional on the Coast. Shortly before he died he was transported to Lions Gate Hospital by ambulance for a procedure that was not available in Sechelt.
"He shared the ambulance with a man who needed a CAT scan at Lions Gate and he was deeply concerned that seriously ill patients have to endure the long trip for a procedure that takes only a few minutes. His sense of caring and dedication to the community and his patients inspires us," the pamphlet said.
Many at the fundraising launch gave donations and bought Back the CAT T-shirts and ball caps, sometimes giving more than the suggested purchase price of $15. By the end of the day, donations totalling $56,955 were collected. That was added to the $500,000 already raised through various organizations. At the end of the day, it seemed Back the CAT was given a huge push in the right direction.
There is a sign now erected on the lawn in front of the hospital to let the community know the campaign's progress.Back the CAT T-shirts and ball caps are still available to the public at the St. Mary's gift shop and thrift store in Sechelt and there will be more community fundraisers in the future.
"With the support of the community, we're sure this will be an overwhelming success and a dream come true. Please Back the CAT," said Dr. Burtnick's widow Irene in closing.
If you would like to help, you can contact the Back the CAT campaign at 604-885-8637, purchase a T-shirt or ball cap or come out to support future fundraising efforts as they are announced.
