It was a chance Wednesday afternoon to thank all of those who helped in the purchase and installation of the new CT Scan Unit at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.
The hospital hosted an appreciation barbeque for the community, donors and partners.
Chief Executive Officer Wade Petranik says he was overwhelmed with the support of a massive fundraising drive.
Petranik says he wants to thank volunteers, service clubs, individuals, businesses, municipalities, First Nations communities and all other organizations.
He stresses Foundation Chair Andrew Skene was also instrumental in the cause.
Doreen Armstrong-Ross is the Senior Vice-President of Patient Care Services and she says this is a life saving machine.
She says if someone comes in and they suspect a stroke, they can get them into the CT and get their treatment done in a window of time that really saves their lives.
Surgeon Dr. Isabelle Apriasza and Surgeon Dr. George Rabbat are both thanking the Dryden area community and everyone for their support.
They both say the fundraising results and short period of time to reach their goal are very impressive.
Rabbat says everyone should be proud to be part of this community as he is.
Apriasza says they use the CT Scan Unit daily in order to operate and perform procedures in Dryden.
She stresses they wouldn’t be able to function without the machine.
A three year, $1.25-million, fundraising goal ended in only 19-months because of the support of northwestern Ontario.
Rotary member Joanne Bunney was just one person who attended the “thank you” barbeque and she calls it a milestone moment.
The club committed some $120,000.
However, Bunney says on a personal and family level, the machine means the world to her.
She says she had a CT scan on the new machine and stresses she is proud of her club and all the citizens of the Dryden area.
To hear more reaction, visit the Audio link below.
