Quest for a new fluoroscopy machine underway at CKHA
One Chatham-Kent family is providing fuel injection into the engine that drives fundraising for a new piece of machinery earmarked for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Thanks to Bill and Mary Dorssers and family, every donation to the CKHA Foundation this month will be tripled – up to $100,000 total – in the quest to get a new fluoroscopy machine for the hospital.
The machine is a life-saving diagnostic care unit, something foundation officials said is “vital imaging technology that provides real-time, moving X-ray images, essential for diagnosing illnesses, guiding medical procedures, and ensuring accurate treatment plans. It is used to support various hospital departments, assisting in everything from stroke and cancer diagnosis to gastrointestinal, orthopedic and vascular procedures, as well as life-saving interventions.”
With CKHA’s current fluoroscopy machine nearing the end of its service life, the need for a replacement is urgent to continue providing fast, clear, and safe imaging for local patients.
“In 2023 alone, over 1,700 fluoroscopy exams were performed at CKHA, supporting patients of all ages and across a wide variety of hospital departments,” Christine Mitchell, president & CEO of CKHAF, said in a media release. “Upgrading this technology will mean shorter wait times, improved accuracy, and better outcomes for patients in our community. Ensuring CKHA remains equipped with state-of-the-art technology like this fluoroscopy machine is so important for high-quality, patient-centered care.”
The Dorssers recognized the need and stepped up.
“We know that our hospital always needs support for important projects and equipment that aren’t funded by the government,” said Bill and Mary Dorssers, emphasizing their long-standing dedication to supporting local health care. “We are committed to helping out in any way we can, because our hospital does so much good for so many in our community, and we hope that folks from across Chatham-Kent will join us.”
Previous fluoroscopy fundraising initiatives like CKHAF’s 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign and the recent Igniting Healthcare Holiday 50/50 have helped the foundation to raise approximately $330,000 towards the purchase of this $1 million piece of equipment.
Those interested in learning more or looking to donate online can visit https://ckhaf.ca/fluoroscopy, or reach out by phone at 519-436-2538, or in person at CKHAF’s office located at 9 Ursuline Ave. in Chatham.
