The long awaited computed tomography (CT) scanner for St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan took a major step toward reality on June 27, with the announcement that the Ministry of Health has given the green light to a project that will see a local committee raise $2 million to purchase and install the scanner.
Tim McMillen, the Minister of Rural and Remote Health Services, stated the province will provide the approximate $1 million in annual operating costs once the installation and training period has concluded.
Greg Hoffort, executive director of St. Joseph's, announced that $1.16 million of the $2 million cost has already been raised through pledges and cash, thanks to a $500,000 commitment from the 15 participating rural municipalities, towns, villages, and the City of Estevan. Another $500,000 was raised from Ron and Shirley Carson of Lampman, for naming rights to the hospital's diagnostic centre, and an additional $60,000 from Dorothy Yoner, were donated on behalf of her late husband Steve and herself. A further $100,000 came from the Midale Main prize Manor Trust Fund.
The scanner could be operational as soon as April of 2015, said Hoffort.
