The Sysmex Hematology Analyzer has arrived

By Nerissa McNaughton

It’s a $47,000 piece of equipment, but more than worth every penny. The long-desired and eagerly anticipated Sysmex Hematology Analyzer (blood analyzer) is now at the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre.

“The Friends of Whitecourt Society were approached in September 2014 to buy the blood analyzer,” explains Elaine Gunderson. “Our membership questioned why Alberta Health Services (AHS) was not stepping up to the plate to purchase a piece of equipment that was needed every day for the diagnostic information required by the doctors. We were informed that AHS give Northern Alberta Labs a budget and if a big piece of equipment breaks down in an Edmonton Healthcare Centre, the budget is totally used. Whitecourt has been applying for a new Analyzer for the past few years because of the age of the current equipment and the repairs needed. On many occasions our blood has been shipped out due to the repairs needed, causing waits for patients and their doctors. The Friends of Whitecourt Society felt that patient care was being compromised and agreed to purchase the new Analyzer.”

Funding for this and other purchases are raised at Repeat Boutique where all the merchandise comes from local donations and the staff are volunteers. All funds generated can be used to purchase healthcare equipment.

The Friends of Whitecourt Society was thrilled to help out with this very necessary piece of equipment and is thankful to the staff, volunteers, and patrons of Repeat Boutique. The laboratory staff at the Healthcare Centre expressed its sincere thanks to the Society for its assistance.