News Releases - 2006

November 9, 2006

One Million Reasons to Care
West Park Healthcare Centre Scarlett Ball gala exceeds PACS Fund goal

Toronto (Nov. 09, 2006) – West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation has met its one million dollar goal for West Park’s Digital Diagnostic Imaging Suite project or PACS. The fundraising was pushed over the top by the second annual Scarlett Ball signature event, held on
November 4th.

Digital diagnostic imaging is a tangible example of how technological advances can strengthen care and treatment processes. At West Park, this innovation will give our physicians the necessary tools to expedite diagnosis, as well as allowing them to consult with their peers near and far, and to promptly initiate treatment.

“The advances we bring to West Park are pivotal,” says Anne-Marie Malek, West Park Healthcare Centre President and CEO, “because our patients, residents, and clients face the world with courage and dignity, despite the many and overwhelming challenges they experience every day.”

This fundraising milestone was reached in a two-year period; a lofty achievement for an organization of West Park’s size.

“An accomplishment like this comes from the hands and hearts of many individuals, and we really must salute Ed Kress, Chair and the Foundation Board of Directors, the foundation staff, and the centre’s leadership for working together to achieve this important goal,” says Foundation President and CEO Heather Hurst.

“But truly it is our donors and sponsors who deserve much of the credit. Their vision and generosity make our work on behalf of West Park patients possible.”

The heart of the new imaging suite is the Picture Archival Communication System (PACS), which allows diagnostic images to be captured and stored digitally, virtually eliminating the need for film. This means radiologists can instantly access patient x-rays and accelerate reporting findings back to physicians.

“PACS will provide all our health care professionals involved in a patient’s care to have secured access to that patient’s images and reports. It will dramatically improve communication between clinicians caring for the same patient, and of course, that reduces risks and improves patient care,” says Dr. Peter Derkach, Chief of Staff, West Park Healthcare Centre.

“Ultimately, this new technology will significantly reduce the wait time for patients, providing them with swifter access to the treatment and therapy they need,” Dr. Derkach says.

West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation exists to support the high standard of patient care provided by West Park Healthcare Centre. Located in the west Greater Toronto Area, this hospital is known for its specialized rehabilitation, complex continuing care and long term care services, helping people overcome their health barriers to live the fullest lives possible after the onset of an illness or injury. The centre is also recognized internationally for its expertise and research in respiratory medicine, its rehabilitation services for those with emphysema and chronic bronchitis (known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) and its care of those with tuberculosis.

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For more information, please contact:

Vince Rice, Acting Director, Public Relations
Phone: (416) 243-3730
Pager: (416) 372-2915
Email: vice.rice@westpark.org