Donations to the Light a Bulb campaign will go towards the purchase of a state-of-the-art X-ray machine for VJH. (Photo credit: VJH Foundation)

By Pete McIntyre

reduce wait times

X-ray machine focus of Light a Bulb campaign

Nov 16, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The lit tree on top of Vernon Jubilee Hospital can be seen around the city again.

That’s a sure sign that the Light a Bulb campaign is underway for another season, the 36th edition of the fundraiser for new hospital equipment.

Tree on top of VJH. (Photo credit: VJH Foundation)

This year’s campaign has a goal to purchase a state-of-the-art X-ray machine to allow faster access to diagnostics for patients.

“Quick access to X-rays are essential for timely assessment and optimal patient care,” Dr. Adam Weathermon, department head, medical imaging VJH, said. “Another machine will mean we can do thousands more X-rays each year, ensuring more people in the North Okanagan have access to the best standard of care.”

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Doctors use X-rays as a baseline for treatment and to screen for many conditions and illnesses, like arthritis, lung infections, hip or knee replacements, and more. They are essential if you need to be referred to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon.

“You don’t know how important X-rays are until you need a lot of them,” said Ethan Sawka, a local firefighter with BC Wildfire Service, who badly broke his leg last Christmas, requiring multiple surgeries.

“I never expected to need monthly X-rays to monitor my recovery. But that’s how my doctor discovered something was very wrong, and that I would require further treatment.”

Vernon Jubilee’s imaging department is one of the busiest in B.C.’s Interior, performing more than 45,000 X-rays annually, working seven days a week. That’s about one exam every 10 minutes. Still, wait times for an X-ray are up to three to four weeks.

“X-rays are an essential part of our practice, helping assess, guide treatment and monitor progress,” Dr. Julian Sernik, an orthopedic surgeon at VJH said. “By decreasing wait times for X-rays, we are improving our ability to care for patients and respond with surgical plans that can change someone’s life.”

Each year, Light a Bulb helps to support initiatives that may otherwise go without funding. Last year’s campaign contributed to the foundation’s goal of doubling CT scanning capacity in the North Okanagan, with the purchase of a second CT scanner, which will be operational this month.

“We are dedicated to ensuring our North Okanagan facilities have access to the highest-quality equipment and resources to provide enhanced care in our region,” VJH Foundation Executive Director, Kate McBrearty said. “Through the incredible generosity of our community, we are able to focus on the most urgent needs for our medical teams.”

To find out more about the campaign and donate, go here.