‘It’s closer to home than you think ...’
An unfortunate misstep off the curb while walking to work. Back pain that persists despite months of yoga and physio. Headaches, blurred vision and clumsiness that’s starting to be concerning.
From acute injuries to unexplained symptoms, pain, lumps and bumps, the answers to so many questions can be found deep in the body. Medical imaging is the vital link between a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
The KGH Foundation has committed to raising $40 million to help fund the changes needed in health care right here at home. This includes advancing clinical and surgical excellence at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), and a $5 million commitment to fund the interior’s first 3T MRI machine.
The KGH Day of Giving is Wednesday, May 17, a one-day call to action to the community to come together and raise the funds needed to advance health care, right here at home.
This year, all funds raised on KGH Day of Giving will go towards the purchase of a state-of-the-art, 3T MRI machine, an acquisition that promises to increase KGH’s imaging capacity, markedly reduce waitlists and dramatically impact the diagnosis and treatment of neurological issues, brain tumours, strokes, aneurysms, abscesses, multiple sclerosis, cancers, and other conditions.
A powerful diagnostic tool
“In many cases, a patient’s diagnostic journey will begin with medical imaging,” explains Dr. Michael Partrick, Radiologist at KGH. “Scans contain important information about what is (or isn’t) present in the area of concern. From soft tissue and ligament damage to brain injuries and abnormalities, tumours and degenerative diseases, imaging is absolutely critical in understanding what we’re dealing with and determining the important next steps.”
In the last four decades, advancements in technology have allowed radiologists like Dr. Partrick to see inside the human body, non-invasively, with ever-increasing clarity and precision. In particular, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the imaging technology that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images, has been revolutionary. Today, MRI is used in disease detection, diagnosis, to help guide and monitor treatment and is highly regarded by clinicians across multiple specialties for its versatility.
Compared to CT scans, which are usually better at imaging bones, MRI provides better soft-tissue contrast, differentiating more effectively between fat, water, muscle, and other soft-tissue structures such as ligaments and cartilage. MRI is the standard diagnostic test for the nervous system and brain issues such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord lesions. The image is highly detailed and can show even the smallest abnormality. MRI, and the detailed images it produces, has also been a huge benefit for the study of the brain.
MRI is more than just another test. It is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in modern clinical medicine.
“We don’t just need a replacement. We need a second machine.”
Currently, KGH has a single 1.5 T MRI on site. It is the oldest standalone MRI in B.C., having been in operation for 20 years.
It is at the end of its life cycle, yet still
operational 147 hours per week.
Furthermore, in the Central Okanagan, the demand for MRI in our community far exceeds the current capacity with the existing machine. The result is long wait times, referral to other hospitals, or patients choosing privately funded options.
“Demand for MRI is nearly double what we are able to accommodate at KGH,” says Dr. Brenda Farnquist, medical director and chief radiologist at KGH. “We don’t just need to replace the MRI machine we have. We need a second machine.”
• MRI’s performed at KGH per year: 7,000
• Central Okanagan patients referred to sites other than KGH for MRI: 2,292
• Current waitlist for MRI procedure at KGH as of March 2023: 2552
* Interior Health Authority, reporting period Sept. 2021 – Sept 2022
Taking Action
As the population in the Okanagan and the interior region continues to grow and age, increasing MRI capacity at Kelowna General Hospital is critical to ensuring people get the care they need close to home.
To address the growing demand and backlog of Central Okanagan patients waiting for an MRI, the province recently announced a commitment to replace the existing 1.5T MRI at KGH. The province and Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District also committed to providing the infrastructure funding for a second MRI machine at KGH if the KGH Foundation was able to raise the funds needed to buy the machine itself.
“It’s past time. The numbers tell the story,” says KGH Foundation CEO, Allison Young. “We are grateful the ministry has recognized the need to increase capacity and access to MRI for the people who live in the Central Okanagan. The infrastructure funding is critical but we still need to fund the
equipment. With the community’s help, KGH will be the first and only site in the interior with a state-of-the-art, 3T MRI.”
What if…
• We could increase capacity to detect diseases like cancer earlier and with more precision?
• Doctors had access to one of the most advanced tools available to treat and manage their patient’s disease, injury or pain more efficiently and effectively?
• The acquisition of one single piece of equipment could radically impact patient care across almost all medical specialties AND save lives?
3T MRI: The gold standard
A 3T MRI machine delivers twice the magnetic strength of a standard 1.5T MRI giving radiologists the highest quality images possible with superior clarity and detail.
Because the image quality of an MRI depends on signal and field strength, having double the signal strength allows a 3T MRI scan to be completed in half the time with up to twice the detail, decreasing overall scan time without compromising the quality of the image. As such, the imaging speed of the 3T can have a greater impact on operational efficiency.
“Having access to a 3T MRI right here at KGH would be a game-changer,” explains Dr. Partrick. “The scans themselves are two times faster. So if you’re a patient that experiences claustrophobia or anxiety, 3T may be much more comfortable for you.”
“Acquiring 3T MRI at Kelowna General Hospital will allow for increased capacity for vital, potentially life-saving diagnostic scans, impact waitlists, and reduce the anxiety patients and families often experience while waiting for and during and MRI,” notes Dr. Farnquist. “From cancer to cardiac, neurology, orthopedic surgery and more, acquiring 3T technology will assist care teams across multiple specialties and impact care in myriad ways.”
World-class care, close to home
In the past several decades alone, infrastructure funding and over $100 million in philanthropic investment have propelled KGH to become one of the most advanced tertiary teaching hospitals in Canada.
Today, KGH is a modern progressive, growing centre of excellence for health care and hub for innovation.
The KGH Foundation was established in 1978 to support the growing demand from the community and our partners in health care to close the gap between the provincial standard and what is possible for health care, in our hospital and community. In the last decade, the primary concern has centered on reducing or eliminating the need for our patients to have to travel for advanced or specialized medical services.
The Foundation recently launched the ‘Closer to home than you think campaign’ to address the growing concerns facing health care specifically in the southern interior region.
“What matters most is the health care that’s being delivered right here, where we live,” explains Young.
“Though we are grappling with some of the same challenges in health care as communities in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver and Victoria, the need to bring advanced services closer to home is critical for the people who live in B.C.’s interior.
“Health care has to change,” says Young. “Efforts like the KGH Day of Giving help us raise much-needed funds that allow us to be responsive and nimble in addressing the changes we need, right here at home. And, most importantly, this funding enables us to act now.”
For more information on the KGH Day of Giving and to make a donation, visit kghfoundation.com/day-of-giving.