Page A2 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, February 3, 1993 Health boss Cull to hear pitch for local CT scan > TERRACE — Terrace Regional Health Care Society officials are off to Victoria Feb. 15 to formal- ly present their case for a CT scan machine to health minister Elizabeth Cull. They'll be bolstered by more than $600,000 raised by- the Dr. R.E.M, Lee Hospital Foundation to buy one, The foundation sct a goal of $600,000 when it began raising money lhree years ago. The foundation went over the top last week to $610,000 when the Nisga’a Tribal Council pre- sented foundation representatives with a $20,000 cheque in New Aiyansh. But the society still needs to convince the ministry to put up the money for renovations to house the machine and money to operate it. A CT scan machine is a prized diagnoslic tool, offering a three- dimensional image superior to that generated by standard x-rays. “*We've looked at a wide range of scanners. We're in the $600,000 range and that’s the goal we sect out to raise from the start,’’ said health care society chief executive officer Michael Leisinger last weck. He said operating costs are pegged at $300,000 a year for a full time operation and $230,000 for three days a week. ~ Renovation cost at the hospital for the machine is estimated at $140,000 but that includes re- ‘doing an_xX-ray room at the hospi- tal, The operating cost breaks down. to $70,000 in wages for a full time technician and part time clerk, $50,000 for x-ray tubes and the majority of the remainder for a maintenance contract. Fees for a radiologist using the CT scan would be covered by the payments from the provincial Medical Services Plan. Leisinger said the society estimates between 1,200 and 2,500 users a year. “One of the unknowns is the demand so we want to start part time until we get a handle on it,” he said, Leisinger acknowledged that convincing the provincial govern- ment will be difficult, It'll be adding up not only the renovation and operating costs but also radiology fees because it finances’ the ‘medical’. services plan. The campaign for a CT scan machine began three years ago by the Lee foundation, It’s been greatly assisted by a multitude of community groups and by individual donations. Cash calendars, sold by the Elks club, have provided a steady source of income. . The prospect of a CT scan ma- chine in Terracé brightened last year when Prince Rupert hospital switched to supporting rather than opposing, * That came after a review of northwest - health: ‘care. services said there should’ be a CT ma- chine in Terrace, 9° Foundation spokesman Helene McRae said the Nisga’a-donation was gratefully appreciated,” Hospitals meet to discuss — better ways of operating TERRACE — Northwest hospi- tals continue the idea of sharing services and reducing costs with a Feb. 6 meeting in Kitimat. Eight hospitals wil) be there, as will Skeena Health Unit chief medical officer Dr. David Bower- ing and Dr. Peter Newbery, New- bery has been hired by the provincial government to work on regional co-ordination of ser- vices, , The meeting is the latest in a | series called by the hospitals to make improvements to northwest health care. The idea gained momentum last year when an examination of Ter- race, Kitimat and Prince Rupert hospitals and health care services was released, Tt said money could be saved and services increased if there is more co-ordination and co- operation. between ihe three cities. “We're . looking forward to hearing from Peter,”’ said Terrace ' Regional Health Care Society } chief executive officer Michael Leisinger. Newbery said be was happy that hospitals were already talk- ing about sharing: services and working together, “Tm also looking forward to mare work on building links be- tween hospitals and the com- munities,” he said. “There are measures. from that to discharge patients a bit: car lier,” Newbery added. -” Newbery . works...” ‘out ‘ “of | Hazelton’s © ‘Wrineh -Mémorial Hospital. “He's. the ‘director of United Church Health Services with - responsibility for doctors and “medical staff in the Hazeltons, Bella Colla and Bella Bella. He was named provincial - co- ordinator, a. position recom- mendéd in the health care study, in early January. . Newbery has taken the job until the spring, or until a permanent one is hired. . : are clearance Many items throughout our store today to find your bargains priced. Stop in - SHOP AROUND - But before you buy compare our prices - _ vo we'll save you $$$ Tea it ae oon LEG