People in Abbotsford and surrounding communities are now benefitting from better imaging, faster scanning and an improved care experience with the opening of the upgraded Crystal Gala Foundation MRI suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre today.
“I am excited that people in Abbotsford and the surrounding communities are getting answers to the care they need,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Health. “The new, upgraded MRI suite means faster scanning, clearer images and a more comfortable experience for patients. This investment, made possible through strong partnerships with Fraser Health and local donors, is helping us deliver better, faster care and improve the patient experience in the community.”
The $4.95 million investment in care is made possible through strong partnerships between The Province, Fraser Health, Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation and Crystal Gala Foundation. Through the generosity of local donors, a $1 million contribution was made by the Crystal Gala Foundation to make this project a reality.
The newly upgraded MRI, a Signa Artist 1.5 EVO MR30, uses AI technology, improved imaging equipment and advanced software to create sharper, more detailed pictures of the inside of the body. This helps clinicians see difficult-to-image areas more clearly, making it easier to detect and diagnose medical conditions accurately. The upgraded MRI is expected to perform over 8,500 MRI scans every year – an increase of over 500 scans – with some exams able to be completed faster than before.
Photo: The MRI control room.
Features of the newly upgraded MRI include a larger bore size to accommodate patients of different sizes, blanket-like coils that improve patient comfort and quieter scans for a better patient experience.
“When providers need imaging, to determine diagnosis and care for people, getting the answers they need quickly can make a real difference in care,” said Dermot Kelly, president and CEO, Fraser Health. “This upgraded MRI will help more people get the scans they need, sooner, in a setting that is faster and more comfortable. We are grateful to our foundation partners and donors whose support helped make this investment possible and will help improve care for people in our communities.”
The upgraded MRI was stripped down to the magnet and completely refurbished, reducing its carbon footprint, eliminating waste, reducing helium consumption and lowering costs.
“The new MRI at Abbotsford Regional Hospital represents a significant investment in health care for our community,” said Liz Harris, Executive Director, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. “Through our partnership with the Crystal Gala Foundation and the generosity of our donors, patients will have greater access to advanced diagnostic imaging close to home. We are incredibly proud of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared commitment to improving patient care. Community support continues to make projects like this possible.”
“As a 100 per cent volunteer driven organization - no staff, no office, no overhead - We are very proud that our donors and sponsors gave so generously to make this new upgraded MRI at ARHCC a reality for our families and communities” said Gerri Charles, President, Crystal Gala Foundation.
MRI technology plays a vital role in helping patients access timely, life-changing care, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and a wide range of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. MRI can help detect abnormalities of the brain and spine, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body.
This investment is one of several initiatives underway across Fraser Health to enhance access to MRI services through the modernization and expansion of MRI technology at hospitals throughout the region, including Delta, Surrey Memorial and Peace Arch Hospitals.
About Fraser Health:
We recognize that Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
Fraser Health is dedicated to serving all Indigenous people, and honours the unique cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit living within the Fraser Salish region.
Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 50,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers dedicated to serving our patients, families and communities.