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Rimbey hospital receives portable ultrasound unit

Patients rushed into the emergency department at Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre now have a better chance
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Leigh Fergusson

Patients rushed into the emergency department at Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre now have a better chance of having the nature of their condition diagnosed quickly without being sent to a larger centre.

Site manager Colleen Connolley said the hospital has a portable ultrasound machine used to identify conditions such as internal bleeding, fluids around the heart and ectopic pregnancies.

Funding for the $50,000 unit was raised through David Thompson Health Trust and corporate and individual donations.

Connolley said the machine is much needed and appreciated, and while it doesn’t guarantee patients won’t be transferred, it allows physicians to make a more accurate diagnosis.

“It can be moved from room to room and patient to patient It enhances the diagnoses of patients giving us immediately visualization of the problem.”

Dr. Jurie deBruyn, one of three physicians trained to use the machine, said the portable ultrasound could save lives.

“The device has many benefits that provide the community with improved care,” he said.

Funding for $50,000 unit was raised through David Thompson Health Trust and corporate and individual donations.

Corrie Fortner, Executive Director for the David Thompson Health Trust said she is impressed with the community’s caring and giving spirit.

“The trust has been working with Rimbey for a relatively short time but, in that time, we have come to realize that this community places a very high value on ensuring there is quality care available to their citizens.”

Connolley agreed.

“We are just so very fortunate to live in a community that supports its local hospital and programs so well and are willing to make this type of equipment a possibility.”