Those on a wait list for a CT scan at Burnaby Hospital will hopefully have their wait shortened after the announcement of a second CT scanner now officially being in operation.
In a media release on Feb. 10, Minister of Health Adrian Dix said a second CT scanner was installed in late 2021, followed by technologist training and initial start-up taking place in January of 2022.
The scanner officially opened to patients on Jan. 15, 2022, and has already seen 550 scans completed.
"The addition of a second CT scanner at Burnaby Hospital is a significant investment for Burnaby, which will help reduce wait times for those who need access to this important service," Dix said.
"Timely access to diagnostic services can be a critical first step to ensuring patients have access to necessary and life-saving care, which is why we are committed to expanding access to these services."
The province says the existing scanner could perform more than 20,000 tests a year. The second machine is expected to provide another 8,500 this year.
The cost of the machine is estimated at $4.7 million, with Fraser Health contributing $3.2 million through the province.
The Burnaby Hospital Foundation is contributing $1.5 million, including a $1-million contribution from the City of Burnaby.
"We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition, particularly given the pandemic's widespread impact on hospital upgrades and expansions," Chief Executive Officer of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation Kristy James said in the release.
"We can't thank our donors enough and we are so grateful to the City of Burnaby for its contribution of $1 million toward this project. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on the health of people in Burnaby for many years to come."
