Imagine driving to Abbotsford several times a week, from Chilliwack or Hope, for 20-second medical treatments.
Well, that won't be necessary thanks to a donation from the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation. The organization helped Chilliwack General Hospital replace their outdated UVB phototherapy booth. There are currently more than 200 patients who use the service at CGH, in the physiotherapy department. It helps treat disabling skin conditions including psoriasis, acne, eczema, pruritus and dermatitis.
The treatments take between 20 seconds and a few minutes, several times a week. The next closest treatment centre is in Abbotsford, making the local unit an important one to hundreds of people.
"We appreciate the generosity of the Chilliwack Hospital Foundation in helping us purchase this UVB Light Booth so this service can continue uninterrupted," said Petra Pardy, executive director of Health Services Areas Chilliwack, Hope and Agassiz. "The old machine was outdated and became suboptimal for safe and efficient delivery of service for our patients and clients in the community."
The hospital has been providing the service for the past 25 years, she added.
Pardy added that they are excited to see a "new beginning" for the CHF.
"They have launched their new logo and foundation services and we are excited for this partnership," she said at an official launch of the new machine on Monday afternoon.
John Jansen, president of the CHF, was also on hand.
“Our local foundation is extremely pleased to purchase a modern and reliable resource that will benefit best practice and ensure effective, safe and ongoing service in our community,” he said.