New Mammography Machine Will Better Help Vernon Residents

Laura Conzatti, Mammography Technologist, demonstrating the new mammography machine. (Photo Credit: Interior Health)

The upgrade is complete for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s imaging department, thanks to some generous donations from North Okanagan residents.

The hospital held a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon to celebrate the official opening of Vernon Jubilee Hospital's new imaging department. The most significant upgrade is a new digital mammography machine that was made possible thanks to the support of the VJH Foundation. “B.C. has some of the best breast cancer survival outcomes and we know that early detection is a key to this success,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. “This new mammography machine and upgrades to the imaging department will help support the health of local residents for years to come.”

Laura Conzatti, Mammography Technologist, using the console of the machine. (Photo Credit: Interior Health)

Individuals and organizations from the North Okanagan donated to the “Take a Picture” campaign, which raised more than $500,000 towards the new mammography machine’s purchase. About $250,000 was given by the North Okanagan/Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District.

This new unit replaces an older analog system that was well used, performing nearly 7000 screenings and 3500 diagnostic examinations in the past year. The new digital mammography machine has higher quality resolution, enhancing its ability to detect micro-lesions. In addition, the amount of radiation that patients are subjected to is reduced by about 30 per cent.

Mammography before and after the new machine. (Photo Credit: Interior Health)

“The technological improvements that accompany the conversion to digital equipment are numerous,” said VJH radiologist Dr. Glenn Scheske. “They include easier and faster stereotactic breast biopsy procedures, computer-assisted diagnosis for interpretation as well as better storage and access for breast imaging examinations.”

The hospital also bought new monitors for radiologists and renovated patient and staff spaces. These renovations include an additional washroom and expanded patient waiting areas.

Vernon Jubilee Hospital’s diagnostic imaging department services a population of nearly 130,000 throughout the North Okanagan and into parts of the Columbia Shuswap.