Interior Health is pleased to celebrate the launch of a new ultrasound service at Invermere District Hospital (IDH).

The service began operations on August 29 and operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The addition of ultrasound services at IDH will help repatriate 2,500 – 3,000 general ultrasound exams annually to the Columbia Valley. There will be no change for local patients regarding elective outpatient referrals. These will automatically be scheduled at IDH if they live in the Columbia Valley.

“Access to ultrasound within Invermere District Hospital not only positively impacts Columbia Valley residents, but improves capacity across the East Kootenay as a whole. Having this important diagnostic service in Invermere provides thousands of individuals each year more convenient and accessible health care closer to their homes and reduces the burden and stress that comes along with travelling to another community for health care services. Interior Health is grateful for the generous support of East Kootenay Foundation for Health and each donor that made this new service a reality,” said Laura Slipp, director of clinical operations with Interior Health.

Start-up costs for the ultrasound service were approximately $340,000, which was funded entirely by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health. Most of that cost covered the ultrasound machine and other supporting equipment like an ultrasound specific stretcher and chair, a reprocessing device, computer hardware and supporting PCs.

“The new ultrasound service at Invermere District Hospital was 100% funded by donors. Without you, it simply would not have happened. Because of your generosity, your community now has access to this vital service close to home,” said Brenna Hong, East Kootenay Foundation for Health executive director.

“We are especially grateful for the phenomenal support from individuals throughout Invermere and district, including generous gifts from Richard Thompson and Sigrid Black, as well as the Invermere Healthcare Auxiliary Society, whose ongoing dedication continually strengthens health care across the East Kootenay. We are also truly thankful for every gift made through our Beneath the Surface Campaign — together, you made this a reality.”

EKFH provides funding to health care initiatives throughout the East Kootenay. They support five hospitals, three health centres, five long term care homes, and community health programming across the region. More details can be found on the EKFH website. – https://www.ekfh.ca/

The Invermere and District Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital in the East Kootenay health service area. The hospital offers services including acute care, laboratory, and 24-hour emergency services.

Lead image:  New ultrasound machine and supporting equipment available at Invermere District Hospital. Interior Health photos

Interior Health

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