The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation has received a new donation toward its Clear Picture Campaign, which aims to bring an MRI machine to the new Dawson Creek hospital.
The foundation says Cargill has donated $8,500, bringing the campaign closer to its $3 million goal.
“We are incredibly grateful for Cargill’s support and commitment to improving access to health care closer to home for patients and families across our region,” said Executive Director Allie Macam.
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structure of the human body.
Although the initial design of the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital did not include an MRI scanner, the foundation launched the campaign to fund what would be the first community-driven, publicly funded MRI unit in the facility.
MRI services are currently not available in Dawson Creek, meaning patients must travel to other communities for scans.
The addition of an MRI unit is expected to provide faster treatment decisions and reduced travel for patients, as well as support the recruitment and retention of health-care professionals in the region.
The Clear Picture Campaign was first announced in November, with Arc Resources LTD. committing $1.5 million as the lead donation. The foundation has now raised 91 per cent of its $3 million goal.
According to Northern Health, construction of the new hospital is running two months ahead of schedule, with substantial completion expected in September.