G.R. Baker gets digital mammography

G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel will soon have a new digital mammography machine. Purchase of the machine and enhancements were funded by Victoria and funds raised in the community by the Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge and Integris Credit Union. The new machine and enhancements to screening are planned to be available for use by mid-January 2017 at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital in Quesnel.  “The Women's Fall Challenge began with a small group of ladies who loved their walk along the lake,” said Liz- Anne Eyford, of the Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge, in a press release. “In 1994, the first formal event attracted nearly 100 participants and that number has swelled since the first event. Most years since we have averaged 400 to 500 ladies who want their The funding announcement includes: • $1,022,687 in funding provided by the Province of B.C. for a digital mammography machine. • Enhancements supported by funding partners: o Ultrasound Machine: $181,000 – Integris Support Your Girls o Tomosynthesis: $178,163 – Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge o Picture Archive Communications System (PACS): $28,000 – Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge “Team Integris followed the lead of the Women’s Fall Challenge. We’ve all been impacted by breast cancer and were so inspired by the goals of the Fall Challenge that we created the Integris Support Your Girls night. Now, after 6 years and over $181,000 raised, we have many to thank,” said Sheri Coles, branch manager of Integris in Quesnel. “Now we not only have the machine, but the enhancements to make G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital a leader in breast cancer services.” The new mammography unit is the latest on the market, using direct digital technology to provide both screening exams and diagnostic breast x-ray exams. This delivers quick image acquisition and less discomfort for the patient, allowing for a better overall patient experience.  “The BC Cancer Agency is excited that women in Quesnel will now have the latest state-of-the-art equipment available to them for their breast cancer screening. Screening saves lives and we hope even more women will now take advantage of this important free service,” said Janette Sam, operations director, BC Cancer Agency Screening Mammography Program. Improving access to cancer screening in rural communities reflects the focus on supporting the health of British Columbians no matter where in the province they live.