A long-awaited medical upgrade may soon be coming to Haida Gwaii. Northern Health has approved the operation of a CT scanner on the islands, a decision welcomed by local medical staff. But there’s a catch — the community must raise between six and ten million dollars to buy and install the machine. Once in place, Northern Health has committed to operating and maintaining it long-term.
Right now, patients needing urgent CT scans — about 250 per year — must be flown to Prince Rupert, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment for strokes, trauma, and other serious conditions. In many cases, earlier imaging could allow care to happen on-island or speed up transfers for life-saving procedures elsewhere.
A CT scanner is also a key tool in cancer diagnosis and treatment, helping patients avoid repeat travel for tests. Physicians argue it would reduce the need for patient transfers overall and help recruit healthcare professionals who expect to work with modern diagnostic equipment.
Haida Gwaii residents are being asked to support the fundraising effort. Local leaders, including the Gwaii Trust, CHN, communities and Band Councils, are already engaged. Medical staff say this one-time purchase could benefit generations to come.
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