24th Annual Tree of Life Campaign
Goal $50,000 to purchase much needed Capital Equipment
The Tree of Life Campaign has been around since 1988. Since it began, this campaign has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our hospital.
Our tradition continues with the launch of the 24th Annual Tree of Life Campaign this November. Thank you for helping us raise over $45,000 for our hospital last year! We know we can count on your support again in 2011!
You can help support our hospital by remembering a loved one this Christmas by dedicating a bulb or bulbs in their memory. You can also honour a loved one still with you by doing the same. Last year, $10 bulbs added up to over $45,000. We can all make a difference, one contribution at a time. Please Donate to purchase your $10 Bulb!
Diagnostic Imaging Project
Lake of the Woods District Hospital has identified over $1.2 million in capital needs for its Diagnostic Imaging Department as both the current Mammography and Radiographic Equipment need to be replaced. This project is expected to start in 2012 and we have currently raised 15% of our goal.
The current Mammography Unit uses a screen-film (analog) technology and is 12 years old. It requires repairs monthly. The processors are at end of life and parts are becoming difficult to replace as this type of unit is becoming obsolete. On average, 1700 patients are screened each year. Digital Mammography would allow more patients to be seen as screening times are greatly reduced. Results are immediate as images are sent directly to the computer when “snapped”. In addition, results can be accessed by specialists off-site for review within moments of screening. The digital images produced make it easier to diagnose abnormalities due to the superior picture quality and the ability to manipulate the image to illuminate greater detail. Loss of films is no longer an issue as images are stored on our PACS system. Storing on PACS will also increase the accessibility of images by all physicians as they will have the ability to view off-site. This is a preventative piece of medical equipment and is invaluable to those lives that are saved by early detection of breast cancer. According to The Canadian Cancer Society, the average number of Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer is 445 per week. 100 Canadian women, per week, will lose their battle with breast cancer. On average every two weeks, one woman from our own community receives a breast cancer diagnoses.
The current Radiographic Unit is 25 years old. It is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase parts for its monthly repair. This machine is at end of life and needs to be replaced so that the Diagnostic Imaging Department can continue to treat the over 16,000 patients it sees yearly. When attempting to diagnose patient’s symptoms, general x-ray is the first test ordered. As the nearest hospital is 2.5 hours away, losing the ability to perform x-rays is not an option for our hospital. A diagnosis at home is the best possible situation for the patient’s comfort, patient’s time spent waiting for diagnoses and treatment and eliminating expenses incurred by traveling for diagnoses and treatment. The new equipment performs scans faster, for greater efficiency and the more consistent technique leads to diminished radiation exposure. The quality of the image can be checked immediately as the image is set directly to a computer when “snapped”. Loss of films is no longer an issue as images are stored on our PACS system. Storing on PACS will also increase the accessibility of images by all physicians as they will have the ability to view off-site.
Please Donate to help make this project a reality!