Patients in Chilliwack now have access to more imaging services closer to home with the arrival of this new technology.
(Photo) Chilliwack General Hospital’s fluoroscopy suite team
Chilliwack General Hospital’s fluoroscopy suite was upgraded with the Siemens ARTIS ZE fluoroscopy technology, which went into service on November 13 and is supporting important diagnostic exams with improved image quality and efficiency. Using live, real-time X-ray video imaging, the fluoroscopy suite allows care teams to see what is happening inside the body as procedures are performed.
The updated technology offers precise imaging, lower radiation levels and an ergonomic design that supports both patient comfort and staff workflow. Together, these improvements support faster diagnoses, more accurate procedures and safer, less invasive care for patients in their own community.
The upgraded suite allows staff to perform high-demand procedures such as joint injections, which play an important role in helping people manage pain and mobility issues. “We’re really excited to bring this technology to our community,” shares Bernice Oxley, operations director, Lower Mainland Medical Imaging at Chilliwack General Hospital. “The updated suite supports the range of imaging services we provide and helps us continue delivering quality care.”
(Photo) Chilliwack General Hospital’s fluoroscopy suite
In the coming weeks, the hospital will also begin offering modified barium swallow studies for the first time in Chilliwack. These studies help assess swallowing difficulties in patients, often following a stroke or other neurological or age-related conditions. It shows how safely a person can swallow various foods and liquids and provides speech-language pathologists with the information they need to develop individualized treatment plans.
“When someone is struggling with swallowing issues, even a short trip can feel overwhelming,” explains Bernice. “Being able to complete modified barium swallow studies close to home makes the whole experience easier and more comfortable.”
Training for modified barium swallow studies is underway, with medical imaging technologists and speech-language pathologists completing the required learning and supervised cases.
Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation and its generous donors supported the project with two significant contributions of $200,000 toward the fluoroscopy suite upgrade as well as $16,000 for the specialized chair used during the swallowing study.
“This equipment directly improves care for patients in Chilliwack,” says Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth Harris. “It strengthens hospital services and ensures better access to care for the community. “The addition of the new fluoroscopy technology and the introduction of the modified barium swallow studies reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to strengthening care close to home.”
Watch Kaitlin Maorchi, interim clinical practice leader for Speech Language Pathology, provide a tour of the new Fluoroscopy Suite at Chilliwack General Hospital:
