Dawson Creek: Hospital foundation announces $1.5 million MRI donation

The Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation kicked off their Clear Picture MRI fundraising campaign Thursday by removing half its $3 million goal on day one.

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With a contribution of $1.5 million from ARC Resources Ltd., the Foundation publicly announced they are halfway closer to reaching its $3 million goal for a second MRI machine for Dawson Creek-the the first to be included in the new Dawson Creek Hospital.

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“From the beginning, we knew this goal was ambitious – but essential. ARC’s role in championing this project highlights just how important it is to bring an MRI to the new Dawson Creek Hospital and the difference it will make for our community,” said Brette Madden, President of the Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation at the event.

Dr. Remi Oyedeji, Chief of Staff at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital said investment in an MRI located in the hospital is vital for 24-hour care in Dawson Creek, echoed Madden’s comments.

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“It will save lives, alleviate pain and anxiety related to travelling for this modality, and help ensure that health care professionals come and stay in our community.”

Sean Calder, ARC’s Vice President of Field Operations said they were proud to be associated with the campaign and contributing to increased healthcare in the region and hospital. Calder said a shared vision for better care in the region was key to Arc’s partnership on the project.

“Having a new healthcare hub that’s equipped with the latest technology in Dawson Creek will ensure patients can receive timely, high-quality care when they need it – all while staying close right here at home.”

The announcement brings a second MRI machine to Dawson Creek. The new hospital MRI will compliment an MRI operating at Peace Regional MRI and Ultrasound. The downtown business notes they utilize a state-of-the-art 1.5T full-body MRI scanner.

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The Dawson Creek & District Hospital is a $590-million facility currently under construction and slated to open in Spring 2027.

The Province of British Columbia’s Medical Imaging 2023/24 Annual Progress Report notes MRI services were previously announced in Northern Health in 2017 at Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace and for Fort St. John Hospital, and The Bulkley Valley Hospital received MRI services in July 2019.

From 2019 to 2023, the province reports the amount MRI technologists increased from 276 to 383, with full time employees climbing to 257.56 from 110.28, or representing a 133 percent increase in B.C. Between 2016 and 2024 the number of MRI exams performed each year in B.C. has increased by 83 percent.

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In 2018, the initial focus was on increasing patient access to MRI services. Over the past three years, the government’s focus has been expanded to include CT services.

In addition to adding new scanners over the last decade, the government increased the number of hours per week MRI would operate. In March 2024, MRI scanners throughout the province operated 4,960 hours per week, or 1,514 more hours per week than in March 2017.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body. An MRI can produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles and is described as a noninvasive way to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system, including the brain and spinal cord. It produces high-resolution images of the inside of the body that help diagnose a variety of conditions.

The Mayo Clinic notes most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets.

“When (a patient) lies inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field inside works with radio waves and hydrogen atoms in your body to create cross-sectional images — like slices in a loaf of bread.”

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