More people in the Mission area will benefit from a new state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner that is now operational at Mission Memorial Hospital.
“We promised to build imaging capacity across B.C. and reduce wait times in our public health care system, and we’re keeping our word, including in Mission,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health. “As we work together with our partners and continue to invest in advanced medical imaging tools and diagnostic services for patients, a new state-of-the-art CT scanner at Mission Memorial Hospital will allow doctors, imaging technologists and patients get faster diagnoses, follow up and treatment.”
The design of the new CT suite is patient-friendly, with natural light and colourful ceiling tiles. A patient-positioning camera and second computer will provide excellent image quality and faster processing times.
The new CT scanner is expected to provide more than 7,350 scans in the first year. This will mean residents in the area will get the scans they need closer to home.
A CT scanner is a diagnostic tool that allows doctors to see inside the body by using a combination of X-rays and a computer to create pictures of organs, bones and other tissues. It helps clinicians diagnose medical issues that are otherwise not visible.
The scanner and renovations to accommodate it are estimated to cost $9.85 million, with nearly $7.28 million in provincial funding provided by the Ministry of Health, $1.44 million from Fraser Health and $1.13 million from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, in partnership with Mission All Together for Healthcare.
More people in British Columbia were able to access a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scan in 2023-24 than ever before, thanks to more machines, hours of operation and technologist staff being added to the public health care system.
Quick facts
- CT scanners combine a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and use computer processing to create cross-sectional images.
- CT scanning is commonly used for assessing trauma and cerebrovascular conditions, to investigate chest and abdominal anomalies, to stage and monitor cancers, and for pre-operative and post-operative assessment.
Learn more
To read the 2023-24 Medical Imaging Annual Progress Report, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Medical_Imaging_Annual_Progress_Report.pdf
A backgrounder follows.
Backgrounders
What people are saying about the new Mission CT scanner
Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission –
“With the arrival of the new CT scanner, residents of Mission and surrounding areas can now access CT scans in their community hospital, rather than travelling to other hospitals across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. This is a critical piece of technology that will dramatically improve care in our growing community.”
Pam Alexis, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –
“This investment is a big step forward for making health care more accessible in Mission and the surrounding areas. The new CT scanner will reduce wait times for medical imaging and provide people in the region with scan 24/7, and ensure that they receive the diagnosis and treatment they need close to home.”
Dr. Victoria Lee, president and chief executive officer, Fraser Health –
“We are thrilled about what this means for our community and the significant positive impact it will have on patient care. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and can significantly improve patient outcomes. The new CT scanner will enable us to detect medical issues sooner, develop and implement the most effective treatment plans, and lead to better health and recovery for our patients.”
Elizabeth Harris, executive director, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation –
“Through tremendous support from the community, we’ve realized a significant milestone in medical care in the region with the arrival of the first CT scanner at Mission Memorial Hospital. By not having to travel to other communities for CT scans, residents of Mission and the eastern Fraser Valley will get more timely diagnosis and better imaging care.”
Dr. Andrew Edelson, co-chair, Mission All Together for Health Care (MATH) –
“It has been a privilege for MATH to have been part of our community’s success in obtaining a CT scanner at Mission Memorial Hospital. This essential piece of equipment will benefit patients, improve health, and save precious time and money. We are grateful for the co-operation of our government, Fraser Health, and of course, the community’s response.”