The Mission Health Care Auxiliary Society has pledged $300,000 for a new ultrasound unit for Mission Memorial Hospital (MMH).
It is the second such pledge from the auxiliary, whose mandate is to support MMH through their volunteer efforts and fundraising.
Three years ago, they pledged $300,000 to support the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation’s fundraising campaign for The Residence in Mission, the new residential facility adjacent to the hospital. That pledge was fulfilled ahead of schedule, so the auxiliary went in search of the next big need at the hospital.
“The Mission Health Care Auxiliary has a long history of partnering with us in the provision of patient-centered care,” said Laurel Scheffler, director of clinical operations for MMH. “This is another example of the incredible work that occurs daily by these dedicated individuals.”
The go-ahead has already been given by the foundation to order the ultrasound. Fraser Health and the foundation have the ability to enter into long-term arrangements to fund larger pieces of equipment.
“The people of Mission who support the auxiliary either at The Cottage by donating items or by purchasing them, as well as supporting our hospital gift shop, can be very proud to have made possible the addition of a third ultrasound,” said Wendy Matus, president of the auxiliary.
Dave Bissoondatt, site co-ordinator for medical imaging, looks forward to increasing the capacity of his department. The department now runs seven days a week and sees approximately 156 patients. Even with the recent addition of patients from surrounding communities, Mission still has a lower wait time than other hospitals.
“A third ultrasound room will help us add 60 to 84 tests per week. This will decrease the wait times and allow MMH to be a great partner in assisting Chilliwack and Abbotsford hospitals deliver better patient care. A shorter wait time means a quicker diagnosis and faster treatment for the patient,” he said.
