The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation has announced the “Clear Picture” campaign aiming to bring an MRI machine to the city.
It would be added to the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital expected to open in Spring 2027.
The foundation said Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine was not in initial design of the new hospital.
MRI is an imaging technique that uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the internal structure of the human body.
The foundation is looking to raise $3 million to bring to the South Peace the first community-driven and publicly funded MRI machine.
To help reach that goat, Arc Resources Ltd. Has stepped in as the lead donor with a massive contribution. It is donating $1.5 million, half of the financial target.
“We are incredibly grateful for the early support from ARC Resources,” said Brette Madden, President of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation.
The foundation said it will provide faster treatment decisions, reduced travel for patients, and care that meets the need of the region.
“The addition of an MRI is an investment that will serve patients for decades,” said Brette Madden, chair of the foundation.
The chief of staff for the hospital for the hospital, Dr. Remi Oyedeji, said an MRI will also help attract and retain health care professionals to Dawson Creek.
He said MRIs are currently only available out of town, and that can be the difference between life or death.
“It will save lives, alleviate pain and anxiety related to travelling for this modality, and help ensure that health care professionals come and stay in our community.” Oyedeji said.
Northern Health has also committed $4 million to help build the MRI suite and will provide $1,5 million annually for staffing and maintenance.
“The new Dawson Creek and District Hospital represents a $590-million investment into health care services in the South Peace,” said the foundation.