A new MRI machine to serve the south Peace is one step closer to coming to Dawson Creek, after a single donor covered half of its cost.
In anticipation of the completion of its new hospital, the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation is fundraising for the purchase of a fully body MRI. On the first day of accepting donations, their lead donor contributed half of the campaign’s goal.
“Thanks to a generous contribution of $1.5 million, half of the campaign total, from ARC-Resources Ltd., the foundation is one step closer to reaching its $3 million goal,” the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation said. Brette Madden, the foundation’s board president acknowledged the goal was “ambitious – but essential.”
The donation “highlights just how important it is to bring an MRI to the new Dawson Creek Hospital and the difference it will make for our community,” explained Madden.
MRI tests are conducted to create 3D pictures of a person’s organs, bones, and tissues. The images are then stored on a computer where doctors and radiologists can review them. Testing can be used to find “tumours, bleeding, injury, blood vessel diseases, or infection,” according to HealthLink B.C.
The new facility is a $590 million investment, being funded by Northern Health and the Peace River regional district. The health authority also “committed $4 million for costs to build the specialized MRI suite and $1.5 million annually for staffing and maintenance costs,” the foundation said.
“Investing in an MRI is vital for our patients. It will save lives, alleviate pain and anxiety related to travelling for this modality, and help ensure that health care professionals come and stay in our community,” said Dr. Remi Oyedeji, the chief of staff at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
Donations for the remaining $1.5 million needed to obtain this machine are being accepted by the foundation, who encouraged residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to fund a healthier future. Services at the new hospital will be available as of spring 2027, according to the group.
