Vernon Jubilee Hospital unveils new mammography machine

VERNON – North Okanagan residents are benefiting from recent enhancements to Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s imaging department, including a new digital mammography machine.
 
Local individuals and organizations donated to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation’s Take a Picture campaign, which raised more than $500,000 towards the purchase of the new mammography machine, the foundation said in a release. Approximately $250,000 was also provided by the North Okanagan/Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District.

The new digital mammography unit replaces an older analog system, which performed nearly 7,000 screenings and 3,500 diagnostic examinations on patients last year.
 
“This new digital unit plays an important role in improving services for our area,” North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District Chair Rhona Martin said. “We’re very pleased we were able to collectively come together as a region to fund this valuable equipment.”
 
The new unit enhances the ability to detect micro-lesions thanks to higher quality resolution. It also reduces the amount of radiation patients are exposed to by approximately 30 per cent.

Through the funds, the hospital was also able to purchase new monitors for use by radiologists, and undertake renovations that have improved patient and staff spaces. Included in the renos are an additional washroom in the department, and expanded patient waiting areas.
 
“It’s astounding the level of generosity the people in this area have,” foundation spokesperson Sue Beaudry says. “The community has really come together to support this cause and their generous donations have made the purchase of the mammography machine possible.”

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.