Written by -- Dr. P. J. Winwood
Prince George
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Friday, 28 November 2008 |
I am an academic physician who has recently come to Prince George to join the Northern Medical Program and work as an internist and gastroenterologist at Prince George Regional Hospital.
I had the privilege to be invited to the Festival of Trees gala auction evening and was asked by the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation (which, of course, organized the Festival of Trees) if I would like to speak upon behalf of the encloscopy department at the hospital, which was in need of a new piece of equipment known as a scope guide.
In brief, this is state-of-the-art technology which is used to show the position of the colonoscope in the bowel during the procedure. It helps to prevent looping and overstretching of the bowel and therefore leads to a safer, more comfortable and more complete procedure.
To my knowledge, there are only one or two centres in Canada that have this equipment, although it is now in widespread use in the U.K. and other parts of Europe. Its cost is around $100,000 and much to my amazement and pleasure, this sum was pledged by the attendees of the gala auction.
This is a truly wonderful response and is a testimony to the generosity and goodwill in the Prince George community.
On a related note, my family and I have been overwhelmed by the welcome and support we have received from the whole community here in Prince George.
The purchase of this equipment will undoubtedly improve the quality of colonoscopy in Prince George. Combined with the success of the Northern Medical Program, such developments can only lead to an improvement in the standard of health care offered to people of Prince George and northern B.C. and will help to build Prince George as a centre of excellence in health care and medical training.
-- Dr. P. J. Winwood
Prince George
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Last Updated ( Friday, 28 November 2008 )
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