First of its kind ultrasound clinic opening on Vancouver Island
B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix was at Camosun College on Thursday to unveil a new ultrasound clinic that's designed to fast-track specialized care for thousands.
The new ultrasound clinic officially opens at Camosun College's Interurban Campus in Saanich, B.C., next month.
It includes four ultrasound rooms where the public will be diagnosed and where students can train.
"[It's] killing two birds with one stone. We're helping our patients get better and quicker access to care and we're educating the newest generation of diagnostic medical sonographers right here on Vancouver Island," said Camosun College instructor Kendal Adam.
The outpatient clinic is the first of its kind in Canada, and is equipped with tools that will help monitor fetuses and diagnose a range of medical conditions, including cancer and heart disease.
The opening of the $1.2-million facility was unveiled to applause on Thursday. But some local leaders are still concerned about the state of healthcare in the region.
CALLS FOR ACCELERATED HELP
Former Colwood, B.C., mayor Dave Saunders has started a grassroots group to address the health-care crisis, and he says municipalities can play a much larger role.
"By relying on the higher levels of government are we being facilitated with the level of care that we need?" he said. "I can say clearly as a former mayor, no, we aren't."
He hosted a meeting Thursday night to lay out his vision for tackling the doctor shortage, which includes incentivizing developers to build clinics and homes that attract and retain health-care workers.
"[Developers] come in with a large proposal, we're able to say we need spaces for doctors and nurses – clinic space and affordable housing for doctors and nurses that are just starting out," he proposed.
On Thursday, Dix said he agreed that municipalities will need to help with the health-care crisis, especially with B.C.'s aging population.
"We have to work with municipal governments to make sure that there's access to available land for long-term care, for assisted living, for senior living, for adult day programs – frequently [that comes from] a municipal base," said Dix.
The new ultrasound clinic will open at Camosun on Feb. 6.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.