Arc Resources donates $1.5m towards Dawson Creek hospital MRI

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Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation president Brette Madden at the event announcing $1.5 million in funding for its campaign to buy a new MRI machine. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation)

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — An energy company has donated $1.5 million towards securing an MRI for the new Dawson Creek hospital.

Arc Resources’ contribution means the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation is halfway to its $3 million fundraising goal for the machine, which creates clear images of the inside of the body using a large magnet and radio waves.

“We are incredibly grateful for the early support from Arc Resources,” said Brette Madden, president of the foundation. “From the beginning, we knew this goal was ambitious – but essential.”

If the ‘Clear Picture’ campaign – launched on Thursday, November 20th – is successful, the foundation says it would bring the “first community-driven and publicly-funded MRI machine to the South Peace region.”

$1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation's campaign to buy a new MRI machine was announced at an event on November 20th. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation) — $1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’s campaign to buy a new MRI machine was announced at an event on November 20th. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation)

It would be stationed at the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital, a $590-million facility funded by Northern Health and the Peace River Regional Hospital District which is currently under construction.

It is scheduled to be open by spring 2027.

The foundation said Northern Health has committed $4 million towards building a specialized MRI suite at the new hospital and $1.5 million annually for staffing and maintenance.

Sean Calder, Arc Resource’s vice president of field operations, at the event announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation's campaign to buy a new MRI machine. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation) — Sean Calder, Arc Resource’s vice president of field operations, at the event announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’s campaign to buy a new MRI machine. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation)

Sean Calder, Arc’s vice president of field operations, said: “Having a new healthcare hub that’s equipped with the latest technology in Dawson Creek will ensure patients can receive timely, high-quality care when they need it – all while staying close to home.”

The foundation said an MRI would reduce wait times, improve health outcomes and help patients avoid costly trips to access care elsewhere.

It also said the MRI will make the South Peace a more appealing place for new doctors and nurses to start and build their careers.

This will help address a long-standing Northern Health recruitment and retention problem by positioning the South Peace as more competitive in the healthcare job market.

Dr. Remi Oyedeji at the event announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation's campaign to buy a new MRI machine. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation) — Dr. Remi Oyedeji at the event announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation’s campaign to buy a new MRI machine. (Dawson Creek and District Hospital Foundation)

“Investing in an MRI is vital for our patients,” said Dr. Remi Oyedeji, chief of staff at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital. “It will save lives, alleviate pain and anxiety related to travelling for this modality and help ensure that healthcare professionals come and stay in our community.”

Anyone who would like to support the ‘Clear Picture’ campaign should email ed@dchospitalfoundation.ca.