Virden Medical Associates and Virden Health Centre have a new diagnostic tool, due in no small part to a generous donation from a Virden couple, along with the support of the Virden and District Health Auxiliary.
Several months ago, Dr. J. Roux and Dr. J. Hammell, aware of the need for better diagnostic capabilities in our local hospital, brought to the attention of the local Health Auxiliary the possibility of purchasing a Butterfly IQ ultrasound machine.
This portable app-based ultrasound device attaches to an iPhone or iPad and provides easy access to medical imaging, whether it be helping start an IV in patients with tiny veins, providing images of a heart, or doing a sonogram on an expectant mother.
The Health Auxiliary was very interested in this project and was eager to help out.
Then COVID-19 struck, and the project got put on a back burner. Discussions continued with the doctors who felt so strongly about the need for this equipment, that they purchased a Butterfly IQ ultrasound out of their own pockets.
That is where Joan and Terry Johnson come in. With their generous donation of $2000, a portion of the cost of the ultrasound machine was offset.
This new tool is currently in use at the hospital, and because it is portable, can also be used in the clinic. It will be an invaluable asset to the care of patients in our area.
Because it is an app-based device, there are yearly costs incurred in order to keep the software up-to-date, so it is an ongoing project.
Virden and District Health Auxiliary would be happy to accept donations from anyone who would be interested in supporting this innovative undertaking or who would like to provide financial support to our health care providers who have sacrificed so much in providing continued care in our communities.
All donations made to the Virden and District Health Auxiliary stay in our area and are used for projects in our local facilities. Donations can be sent to: Virden and District Health Auxiliary, Box 2526, Virden, MB R0M 2C0.
