North Shore Health Network receives $47K donation for equipment

The North Shore Health Network Foundation will receive over $47,000 in funding from Cameco corp. for a medical imaging equipment used to assess bone health and fracture risk.

In a press release, the health network thanked Cameco employees who pledged almost $24,000, which was then matched by the corporation.

The foundation was chosen as the recipient of Cameco's Giving program for 2022 to raise funds for a bone mineral densitometer at its Blind River site.

It said this equipment will make an impact on many of its patients, especially those who are postmenopausal, over 50 years of age, have experienced a loss of height, been on steroid medications long term, had a transplant and those who have had a fracture over the age of 50.

The two areas the densitometer focuses on are weight-bearing bones and can determine if someone has osteoporosis or osteopenia.

The health network said this helps physicians determine if treatment is required.

Its medical imaging staff have averaged at least one patient per day specifically for the densitometer since they began in March, it said.

Staff have been offering this service Monday through Friday to accommodate patient schedules.

“It has been a great addition to our department,” said interim lab manager Kim Rousselle.

Located at the Blind River site, the bone mineral densitometer will serve all three hospitals within the North Shore Health Network, which includes Thessalon and the Richards Landing-Matthews area.

The network said providing this equipment locally helps keep health care within reach by shortening wait times for patients, keeping them closer to family and friends, as well as decreasing travel time and expenses.