Construction is underway to bring Kitimat General Hospital its first-ever CT scanner, marking the start of a long-awaited upgrade to local diagnostic services.
The installation project began earlier this week. Following renovation work, the new CT will go into service for urgent and semi-urgent diagnostic needs while application training takes place, with full services expected to begin in spring 2026.
鈥淭hanks to the incredible support of our community, Kitimat General Hospital will soon receive its very first CT scanner. Beyond improving patient care, the CT scanner also plays a key role in physician recruitment and retention,鈥� said Laurel D鈥橝ndrea, president of the Kitimat General Hospital Foundation. 鈥淚n today鈥檚 healthcare environment, access to essential diagnostic tools is a critical factor for doctors when choosing where to practice and helps ensure our hospital can continue to offer quality care for years to come.鈥�
The $4.7-million project is being funded through a partnership between KGHF, the Northwest Regional Hospital District (NWRHD) and the provincial government. The KGHF has contributed $2.4 million, raised through community donations that also include the First West Foundation, the District of Kitimat 鈥� which committed $800,000 over two years 鈥� and numerous local supporters. The NWRHD has provided $1.9 million toward the capital costs.
The fundraising effort received significant boosts last year when the Max Lange Foundation pledged $500,000 and LNG Canada added $900,000, with the condition the scanner be installed and operational within 18 months. KGHF delayed signing that contract until the province confirmed its financial commitment, ensuring enough time to complete the renovations needed to accommodate the device ahead of the deadline.
鈥淚nvesting in health-care infrastructure like this CT project strengthens the foundation of our communities,鈥� said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. 鈥淭his kind of infrastructure directly improves quality of life and supports stronger, healthier communities by creating good construction jobs now and improving access to critical services for years to come.鈥�
Northern Health Board Chair Colleen Nyce called the start of construction a "major milestone".
鈥淚 know how hard the people of Kitimat worked to raise the funds to help us make this project a reality... Working together like this is one of the ways we move forward in ensuring equitable access to care for all those who call the North home.鈥�
NWRHD Chair Barry Pages said the upgrade will mean fewer trips out of town for Kitimat and Kitamaat residents who need CT scans.
Computed tomography is a vital diagnostic tool used for assessing trauma, stroke, cancer and other conditions. The hospital鈥檚 expanded imaging department will provide physicians with faster information to diagnose and treat patients, improve ambulance coverage by reducing urgent transfers, and offer new training opportunities for staff and students.
