January 26, 2021
Rebecca Walter, combined lab and X-ray technologist, demonstrates the new digital radiographic X-ray unit at the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service. The equipment was made possible through a donation from local residents Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori to the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee.
Story by Amelia Schofield | Photo by Melissa Ballantyne
Patients are already benefiting from a new digital radiographic X-ray unit at the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service which reduces travel for patients and improves the speed, accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment.
Unlike the facility¡¯s previous X-ray machine, the new unit has the ability to perform image stitching, which can join multiple X-ray images to create one high-resolution image. This is especially beneficial to patients with scoliosis and those in need of orthopedic surgery on a knee or hip, as local and area patients no longer have to travel to Red Deer or Olds. The service performs about 900 X-rays monthly.
¡°This new technology will reduce the time it takes to gather images and send them to a physician for review. That means patients will receive results sooner than with the previous machine,¡± says Valerie Thompson, area director, Lacombe, Ponoka and Red Deer counties.
The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee is funding the new equipment through a gift of $850,000 from local residents Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori.
¡°The Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee celebrates this generous financial donation from Stephen and Jacqueline Wuori for the major X-ray upgrade and interior renovation," says Susan Samson, chair, Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee. "Our community and surrounding areas will benefit greatly from the Wuoris¡¯ generosity."
¡°It is truly exciting to see this new equipment go into service for the benefit of the Sylvan Lake community and surrounding area,¡± the Wuoris say in a statement. ¡°Everything has gone smoothly and we appreciate the co-operative relationship we have had with the Urgent Care Committee and Â鶹ӳ».¡±
Devin Dreeshen, MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, adds his appreciation: ¡°This generous donation from the Wuori family is a testament to the strength and compassion of Â鶹ӳ»ns. I¡¯m impressed when innovative thinkers work together to bring advanced health equipment to our communities, ultimately building a strong and healthy Â鶹ӳ» for years to come.¡±
¡°Â鶹ӳ» is extremely grateful for this general donation,¡± says Thompson. ¡°It isn¡¯t just an investment in healthcare ¡ª it¡¯s an investment in the entire community.¡±
