Quesnel, B.C.- Good news for women in the  Quesnel area,  the G.R. Baker Hospital  has secured  funding for  a new digital mammography machine.

Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes joined representatives from Northern Health, the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA), Integris Credit Union and representatives of the Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge at the  Women’s Fall Challenge  at Dragon Lake  today to make the announcement.

(at right, MLA Coralee Oakes  Makes Announcement  at Dragon Lake – photo submitted)

While the Province  provided $1,022,687  for the machine,  enhancements have been provided by both Integris Credit Union  in the form of  $181 thousand  for an Ultrasound machine ,   while the Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge provided  a little over $178 thousand  for Tomosynthesis and $28 thousand for an archive system.

“The Women’s Fall Challenge began with a small group of ladies who loved their walk along the lake. In 1994, the first formal event attracted nearly 100 participants and that number has swelled since the first event,” says Liz-Anne Eyford, Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge. “Most years since we have averaged 400 to 500 ladies who want their donated dollars to stay in the community and work towards a goal that would benefit many.”

“Team Integris followed the lead of the Women’s Fall Challenge. We’ve all been impacted by breast cancer and were so inspired by the goals of the Fall Challenge that we created the Integris Support Your Girls night. Now, after 6 years and over $181,000 raised, we have many to thank,” says Sheri Coles, branch manager of Integris in Quesnel. “Now we not only have the machine, but the enhancements to make G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital a leader in breast cancer services.”

The new mammography unit is the latest on the market, using direct digital technology to provide both screening exams and diagnostic breast x-ray exams. This delivers quick image acquisition and less discomfort for the patient, allowing for a better overall patient experience.