Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation has funded two new state-of-the-art ultrasound machines for the Emergency Department, along with a new ENT chair, PanOptic ophthalmoscope, and slit lamp. These investments are already transforming care for patients and supporting clinical teams with faster, more accurate diagnostics.
In emergency medicine, time and clarity are critical. Point-of-care ultrasound allows physicians to look inside the body in real time, helping them make immediate decisions when every moment matters.
“Point of care ultrasound has improved our ability to rapidly diagnose critical medical conditions in the ED. It has been an integral part of our practice and allows an immediate inside view to the body. This much appreciated foundation supported equipment brings the best up to date technology to us help our patients with answers and treatments when they come for (emergency) help.”
-Dr. Brendon Irvine, Saanich Peninsula Hospital Chief of Staff and Site Medical Director
For physicians like Dr. James Ward, the addition of two new machines reflects both growing patient volumes and the increasing role of ultrasound in everyday emergency care.
“We are using ultrasound much more as part of our regular workflow,” says Dr. Ward. “It gives us instant answers for a lot of conditions, especially in situations where patients are too unstable to be sent for formal imaging.”
The new machines represent a significant upgrade in image quality, producing clearer, more detailed visuals that support more confident diagnoses. This is especially important in complex or time-sensitive cases.
“In early pregnancy cases, for example, clearer imaging helps us determine much more definitively what is happening,” Dr. Ward explains. “In unstable patients, we can quickly assess things like fluid status and make decisions right at the bedside.”
Beyond image quality, the new machines are also more compact and mobile, making them easier for staff to move quickly throughout the department. This practical improvement means the technology is used more frequently and more efficiently, directly benefiting patient care.
“Even something as simple as a smaller, lighter machine makes a big difference,” says Dr. Ward. “It is easier to move, easier to use, and that means we can bring it to more patients when they need it.”
Emergency physicians at Saanich Peninsula Hospital are now using ultrasound on multiple patients each shift, highlighting how essential this technology has become in modern care.
“These machines have been massively helpful and we are really enjoying using them,” adds Dr. Ward.
This $152,526.92 investment in new equipment, made possible through donor support, is helping bring advanced diagnostic tools to the Emergency Department and improving care for patients across the region.
This funding reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to ensuring local healthcare teams have access to the best tools available. With continued donor support, Saanich Peninsula Hospital can provide timely, high-quality care close to home.
