Patients are benefiting from enhanced medical imaging procedures thanks to a new addition at Delta Hospital.
The Peter C. and Elizabeth Toigo Diagnostic Services Building opened in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the priority was to ensure the building was operational for patients who needed access to these services.
On Friday, the province provided an update on the services that have been offered thus far as well, the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation offered thanks to the community for all their support in ensuring the project was built.
According to statistics from the province, from April 2019 to March 2020, Fraser Health conducted approximately 51,000 medical imaging procedures and 580,000 laboratory tests at Delta Hospital.
“We’re investing in diagnostic services across the province to ensure British Columbians have quick access to accurate diagnoses and care,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “As Delta and surrounding communities continue to grow, this new addition will ensure local patients have access to the services and equipment they need today and into the future.”
The building features state-of-the-art equipment and provides more space for patients and staff. The addition, built near the hospital’s main entrance, is approximately 800 square metres, about two and a half times larger than the previous space at Delta Hospital. The building provides services that include mammography, ultrasound, X-ray and CT scanning, and is designed to accommodate future services.
As part of the expansion, a larger laboratory space was created, which allows for physical distancing and enhances infection prevention and control.
The building also has a pneumatic tube system so specimens and blood products can be sent and delivered in seconds, rather than having someone deliver samples by hand. This limits the number of people handling a sample.
The Peter C. and Elizabeth Toigo Diagnostic Services Building was designed with input from staff and features plenty of natural light to provide a better patient experience. The building provides more space and privacy in exam rooms, and a larger outpatient waiting area.
“Having a prompt diagnosis and early access to treatment can positively impact a patient’s care experience with the health system,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health president and CEO. “Diagnostic services play an important role in the patient journey, helping people get back to activities they enjoy as quickly as possible.”
This $15.1-million project is a collaboration between the Province, Fraser Health and the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation. Through the Province, Fraser Health contributed $7.6 million and is providing ongoing operational costs. The foundation raised $7.5 million for the new building, including a $2.5-million donation from the Toigo family and $2.4 million from the Delta Hospital Auxiliary Society.
“We are sincerely appreciative to our foundation donors and their ongoing commitment toward Delta Hospital and health care in our community,” said foundation executive director Lisa Hoglund. “Although we could not celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art expansion the way we envisioned, we are grateful to our supporters who are committed to creating a community that thrives around its hospital.”
