Just five per cent remains in Group Health Centre\u2019s fundraising effort for a new mammography unit and six ultrasound machines<\/p>\n
The Group Health Centre Trust Fund is close to wrapping up a $1 million fundraising campaign<\/a> to upgrade its diagnostic imaging equipment, but it still needs a final push from the community.<\/p>\n The campaign now sits at approximately 95 per cent of its goal; the results of a successful year-long campaign.<\/p>\n Organizers had aimed to reach the target by the end of March and are continuing efforts into April to close the remaining gap.<\/p>\n The funding is being used to replace essential equipment that had reached the end of its lifespan. That includes a new mammography unit with updated 3D imaging technology, as well as six ultrasound machines.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are pieces of equipment we already had, but they were all coming to end of life,\u201d shared Tricia Lesnick, trust fund manager at Group Health Centre. \u201cThe newer models are more aligned with current technology.”<\/p>\n The diagnostic imaging department handles more than 40,000 procedures each year, including about 12,000 ultrasounds and 6,000 mammograms, along with other types of screenings.<\/p>\n While the services are based at Group Health Centre, they are not limited to its primary care patients.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a public service,\u201d Lesnick said. \u201cAnyone in the community has access.\u201d<\/p>\n For example, eligible individuals can book a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program without a referral. Other services, such as ultrasounds, simply require a referral from any primary care provider or walk-in clinic.<\/p>\n The availability of up-to-date equipment also plays a role in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals in northern Ontario, where physician shortages continue to be a concern.<\/p>\n \u201cProviders want to work in environments where they have confidence in the tools they\u2019re using,\u201d Lesnick said. \u201cIf we don\u2019t continue to invest in equipment, it becomes more difficult to bring physicians here and keep them here.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond recruitment, local access to diagnostic imaging helps reduce pressure on hospitals by allowing them to focus on more acute and specialized care. Without services at Group Health Centre, patients would face longer wait times or need to travel outside the community.<\/p>\n There is also no dedicated government funding for medical equipment, meaning healthcare organizations must rely on fundraising to purchase and replace it.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we don\u2019t have these services available locally, people either wait longer, which can affect outcomes, or they have to travel,\u201d Lesnick added.<\/p>\n With the campaign nearing completion, organizers are encouraging community members to help close the final funding gap. Even small contributions can help move the campaign across the finish line.<\/p>\n Donations will go directly toward ensuring Group Health Centre can continue offering timely, accurate diagnostic imaging services close to home.<\/p>\n If you would like to donate, visit the \u201cA Million by March\u201d campaign website<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n SooToday is proud to recognize those making a difference in our community with with this GoodWorks feature, a foundational piece of our GoodWorks program.<\/a><\/p>\n