A new ultrasound service is now operating at Invermere District Hospital (IDH).
The new service is expected to provide between 2,500 to 3,000 exams annually, according to Interior Health.
Patients in the Columbia Valley will now reportedly be referred to IDH if they are in need of an ultrasound.
Interior Health says the goal of the new service is to increase local access to diagnostic imaging and ease pressure on other facilities in the region.
“Access to ultrasound within Invermere District Hospital not only positively impacts Columbia Valley residents, but improves capacity across the East Kootenay region as a whole,” said Laura Slipp, director of clinical operations for Interior Health.
“Interior Health is grateful for the support that made this new service possible.”
The ultrasound service was reportedly funded by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH), with startup costs totaling approximately $340,000.
This included the purchase of the ultrasound machine, an ultrasound-specific stretcher and chair, reprocessing device, computer hardware, and related equipment.
“The new ultrasound service at Invermere District Hospital was 100 per cent funded by donors,” said Brenna Hong, executive director of East Kootenay Foundation for Health.
“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.”
Invermere and District Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital offering acute care, laboratory, and 24-hour emergency services.
The service began operations in late August and operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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