St. Joseph’s Hospital welcomes new X-ray machine
March 28, 2011
VEGREVILLE — A new mobile X-ray machine at St. Joseph’s General Hospital will ensure local residents can continue to access high-quality diagnostic imaging services in their community for years to come.
The $50,000 X-ray unit replaces a 12-year-old machine that was nearing the end of its service life. About 14,000 X-rays are performed annually at the facility, which is operated by Covenant Health in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“This investment is an important part of helping us deliver health care,” says Paul Hardy, Executive Director, St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville. “It is vital we keep our health-care infrastructure up to date and progressive.”
The Government of Alberta has committed $209 million for maintenance projects, through the Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP), and $75 million for technology and equipment, all part of the province’s 3-Year Health Capital Plan. The IMP budget provides funding to cover the cost of repairs, upgrades, maintenance and replacement of building systems and building service equipment at 128 sites throughout the province. The technology and equipment budget provides funding to replace and upgrade medical equipment and technology throughout the province.
Nearly $280,000 is being invested in Vegreville. This investment will be used to purchase the new X-ray unit and other hospital equipment, including a defibrillator and a bariatric electric bed. IMP funds will be used for maintenance on the hospital’s air conditioning system, among other projects.
Nearly $1.4 million is being invested in the constituency, which also includes the communities of Fort Saskatchewan, Mundare and Tofield.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Gjenna Saretsky
AHS Communications
403-356-4206
403-506-3300 (cell)
Covenant Health is http://www.covenanthealth.ca/
Covenant Health is Canada's largest Catholic health care organization with over 14,000 physicians, employees and volunteers serving in 11 communities across Alberta. A major provider in Alberta's integrated health system, Covenant Health works with Alberta Health Services and community partners to positively influence the health of Albertans through a broad range of programs and services. http://www.covenanthealth.ca/
