The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has delivered an ultrasound machine to remote Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha, bringing this vital medical service to a remote community and sparing some patients the long trek to Prince George.
It can take as much as 12 hours to drive to Prince George, much of it on logging roads. The only other option is flying out but only if the weather cooperates.
Dr. Jeff Beselt and Nurse Practitioner Naomi Lepan will now be able to detect some health conditions such as assessing pregnancy and fetal development without having to send patients out of community to care. The ultrasound will also be a valuable resource when physicians and nurse practitioners are required to hold a patient while waiting for medivac.
“More services close to home mean better health outcomes for communities,” said Julie Morrison, FNHA’s Vice-President of Regional Operations in the north. “This is just the beginning, we want communities to receive care in a timely and effective way.”
FNHA purchased the machines and partnered with Northern Health who provide the biomedical services to the communities.