Page 10 - GBGH Foundation Newsletter - Winter 2023

The Right Equipment

SAVES LIVES.

Right now, GBGH is caring for more patients than ever, and they
are sicker, with more complex health care needs, than ever before.
Here are some of the vital pieces of technology that we are
fundraising for this year.

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. Hematology Lab Analyzer
Department: Laboratory | Cost: $285,745
A hematology analyzer rapidly analyzes blood specimens for a complete blood count (CBC) test. A CBC is the most commonly
ordered diagnostic test because it provides a ‘snapshot’ of the patient’s health, in just minutes. It is used to help diagnose
everything from infections to cancer, anemia, autoimmune disorders, dehydration, heart disease, inflammation, and more. Our
current blood analyzer is seven years old and past its warranty. We take very good care of our equipment, but like a car, due to
regular wear and tear, certain parts will wear out and need to be maintained and replaced. In the past two years, this machine
has gone down briefly twice, and it is nearing the end of its life.

2. Ultrasound Table & Probes
Department: Diagnostic Imaging | Cost: $55,752
Recently GBGH hired another ultrasound technician and expanded our ultrasound service hours. As a result, we’ve been able
to reduce the wait time for an ultrasound in our area from 40 – 45 days to just 12 days, which is well below the provincial
average of four or five weeks. However, due to the increased volume in testing, we MUST purchase more ultrasound probes
and a new table to operate without delays and keep up with the demand.

3. Cardiac Monitors 4. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Department: ICU | Cost: $600,000 (this year) Department: Diagnostic Imaging | Cost: $4 Million
A cardiac machine monitors heart rate, blood Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging
pressure, amount of oxygen saturation, temperature technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-
and other key vitals. A cardiac monitor provides generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs
a continuous “video” of the patient’s heart, at all and tissues in the body. This provides better clarity of
times. This real time data is relayed to the Central specific body parts compared to x-ray or CT technology.
Monitoring System at the nurse’s station and if the GBGH has recently received approval of operational funding
patient’s condition changes, an alert will immediately for an MRI. By investing in MRI technology, you can help
be sent to the care team. bring access to care closer to home for thousands of people

In 2021-2022, GBGH purchased 11 new cardiac every year, locally reduce wait times (in our community and
machines, and this year we will purchase 10 more at neighbouring hospitals) and ensure your hospital has the
to finish updating our fleet with the most advanced latest technology to improve and save lives.
technology.

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