New CT Scanner is coming to Yorkton

Yorkton will be getting a new CT Scanner. A major donation to the Health Foundation has given them the confidence to order the machine, with the $30,000 being donated by Telemiracle pushing them close enough to buy the equipment.

Ross Fisher, Executive Director of the Health Foundation, says that they have been talking to GE about the machine and what they want from it. They machine needs to be built, and renovations need to happen in the hospital before it can be used, but it is expected that the scanner will be in place by February. Fisher notes that since the order will go in over Christmas, this will have an effect on when the machine is delivered. The final cost will be approximately $1,245,000, with donations to the Health Foundation paying for half. The cost was slightly more than originally expected.

“We have to change the power supply at the hospital and we have to change the cooling system. We anticipated the change to the cooling system, but the power supply was a surprise.”

The fund raising efforts are not over however, because they are still approximately $80,000 short of the ultimate goal. Fisher explains that they are ordering now because they’re close enough it would be a shame to miss out on the savings offered by a group buy.

“We believe with the way the community has responded to this project they will help us raise the money needed to purchase the equipment.”

Mike Thompson, President of the Yorkton Kinsmen, says they’re happy to see that the Telemiracle Foundation is supporting the CT Scanner. He notes that they raise money for the event every year on a local level, and they’re proud of how the money stays within Sask­at­chewan communities.

“It’s a great way to provide for these special projects that need a bit more of a push.”

With Telemiracle approaching its 40th anniversary year, Thompson says that the donation to the CT Scanner is an example of how the foundation makes a difference.

“Every year the people of Saskatchewan come together and raise a great deal of money, and it goes to great projects like this.”