Ultrasound Campaign

This campaign provided funds for a new high-end ultrasound machine that provides service to all communities within the region. This new machine was entirely funded by donations raised by The Health Foundation.

The purchase of this new equipment is a testament to what can be accomplished when people work together. A total of 1,094 businesses and individuals have contributed toward the purchase of this machine. Some made very significant donations and we owe them our gratitude.

The technology of the new ultrasound machine is about 12 years newer than the machine it is replacing. This new machine will provide clearer images to enable earlier diagnosis and better outcomes of treatment for some medical conditions.

Sunrise Health Region, the Saskatoon Hospitals and the Battlefords hospital tested several machines before choosing this one. With all facilities purchasing the same machine a group rate was negotiated, which will save just over $25,000 on each machine, a saving of almost ten percent.

The current machine will be kept and used for general purpose exams. Having an additional ultrasound machine will reduce the wait times for certain types of examinations.

The new ultrasound machine will be used to examine patients for a wide variety of medical conditions, including detection of:

• Acute and chronic disorders of the abdomen, such as: gallstones, kidney stones, renal failure, diagnosis of appendicitis, diagnosis of pancreatic, liver and other abdominal cancers;
• Acute and chronic conditions of the pelvis including detection of ovarian cysts and masses (ovarian cancer), diagnosis or uterine fibroids, detection of ectopic pregnancy;
• Early pregnancy, complications of early pregnancy and evaluation of the fetus;
• Fluid on the lung (pleural effusion);
• Hydrocephalus and intracranial bleeding in babies' skulls;
• Complications with the thyroid, salivary glands, lymph nodes in head and neck;
• Breast cysts and cancer, testicular swellings and cancer, diagnosis of prostate cancer;
• Blood clots.