Fort St. John Hospital Foundation buys new machine to help patients with complex wounds

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation (FSJHF) has purchased a new machine to improve treatment for patients recovering from complex wounds.

ActiV.A.C., also known as a Wound VAC, uses negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), a technology that speeds up healing, reduces the risk of infection, improves patient comfort and supports recovery from challenging injuries such as diabetic ulcers and surgical wounds.

The foundation said the need for a second unit was identified earlier this year due to growing demand. 

A temporary unit was rented from Vancouver General Hospital while the foundation worked to secure a permanent solution, it said.

The foundation thanked donors for the purchase.

“Your support makes equipment like this possible,” the FSJHF stated in a newsletter. 

“Thank you for helping to bring life-changing tools to Fort St. John and ensuring our community receives the best care available.”

The FSJHF encourages people to donate to its various funds via CanadaHelps.