NANAIMO, BC – April 16, 2024 –Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) is urging Central and North Islanders to fund critical cancer diagnosis equipment for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in their current Cancer care fundraising campaign.
The campaign goal is to raise $159,956.18. That is the specific number to fund the Mopec 400. A “grossing” instrument, that allows more local examinations that will arm NRGH Pathologists in early detection and treatment of cancers here locally instead of travelling for care. The Mopec 400 is essential to the process of looking at tissue biopsies, 70% of which are in the lab to be assessed for suspected cases of cancer. Accurate and quick diagnosis is the first stage in the process of cancer care. It will help to save people’s lives.
Last year, 3,630 people across North and Central Vancouver Island received cancer diagnoses. That number is only expected to rise, as doctors have seen 14% more chemo and oncology patients over the past two years.
“The news of the Cancer Centre to be built in Nanaimo is another important step in improving cancer care in our community, but with that announcement comes a need to ensure it is equipped to provide the diagnostic, surgical and patient care services that having a major cancer centre requires. The Mopec 400 is one such example of what it will take to increase our capacity for cancer diagnostics and care,” shared NDHF CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.
“As our region grows, the need of the hospital grows with it. We know our community always shows up when we need them most, so together we will reach our fundraising goal to support Cancer care treated in our region,” shares Ellis-Perry.
The campaign has raised one-third of the fundraising goal since launching last week. Donations can be made online at nanaimohospitalfoundation.com.