For Brian Gilhooly and his family, 91原创 Memorial Hospital has always offered hope when they鈥檝e had medical concerns.
When Brian鈥檚 wife needed minor surgery, it was performed here. Their son鈥檚 broken arm was treated in 91原创鈥檚 ER. Even Brian鈥檚 Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis was possible because of the local hospital鈥檚 leading-edge DNA testing.
But when respirologist Dr. Rita Wittmann recently treated Brian for a serious lung infection he鈥檒l have for the rest of his life, she had to refer him to another hospital for vital testing 鈥� adding considerable stress, cost and travel time.
鈥�91原创 Memorial is one of only two hospitals in the Fraser Health Authority that does not offer complete lung function testing on-site,鈥� Dr. Wittmann explains. 鈥淭his meant that Brian had to travel to Vancouver to get an accurate reading on whether his infection had affected his lungs.鈥�
The current referral process also typically leaves patients with at least an eight-week wait.
鈥淚t took quite some time and a lot of energy to get to the other hospital,鈥� Brian says. 鈥淚t was quite difficult for me.鈥�
Leading the way forward for lung patients
To ensure other patients don鈥檛 have the same experience as Brian, and the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Auxiliary are purchasing a new body plethysmography machine for its pulmonary function lab (PFL) which will quickly analyze lung disorders from asthma and COPD to cystic fibrosis.
The plethysmography machine includes an air-tight box that allows patients to walk right in and sit down comfortably. The constant and controlled pressure inside the box is what makes advanced lung function tests possible.
Adding this vital piece of equipment means 2,000 patients a year 鈥� including Brian 鈥� will have advanced lung testing in the comfort of their local hospital.
The cost of that vital equipment, however, is $80,000, and that鈥檚 where you can help.
鈥淭he staff here are very dedicated,鈥� Brian says. 鈥淭hey do a great job, but they just don鈥檛 have the equipment they need to properly diagnosis and treat.鈥�
While the lab currently performs about 1,800 basic lung function patient tests per year, all 91原创 patients who require lung function testing beyond these basic tests are forced to travel to other hospitals.
PFL tests are non-invasive tests administered by respiratory therapists that show how well the lungs are working, measuring lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange. Lung function tests include exercise testing, blood oxygen monitoring techniques and assessment for home oxygen. The lab also provides education to individuals with recently confirmed diagnoses of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease.
To contribute to this vital piece of testing equipment, contact the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation at 604-533-6422 or visit online at .
