Woodfibre LNG contributes $900,000 to purchase of new CT scanner in Squamish

Woodfibre LNG has always prioritized building a lasting legacy of community connection and improvement as part of its project. That commitment lasts well beyond the construction phase, throughout the operational lifetime of the project.

That’s why we made the decision to add $900,000 to a pot of other generous donations, to help purchase a new CT scanner for the Squamish General Hospital.

The impact is already being felt. Since its unveiling in July, the medical imaging device has already performed over 600 scans, and just last month, had its operational hours extended late into the night to serve community members better in the moments they really need it, including for emergency care. The estimation is that it will produce about 20 scans per day, on average.

How the CT scanner is improving healthcare access

A Computed Tomography scanner, more commonly known as a CT scanner, allows doctors to see inside the body by using of X-rays and a computer that can create pictures of organs, bones and other tissues to improve the quality of care. It is one of the main tools for diagnosing cancer, complex bone fractures, strokes or brain damage, and countless more types of internal trauma a simple X-ray machine cannot catch.  

One may never think about the importance of high-quality medical imaging until they need it. But when they do, it needs to be accessible and fast.

Before, Squamish residents were forced to travel to North Vancouver or to Whistler for the nearest CT scan facility. But for roughly 7,000 patients a year, that is no longer the case.

Helping to fulfill the legacy of Dr. Kindree

Our team recognizes the work of Dr. LaVerne Kindree who served patients throughout Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky corridor for over 50 years.

Dr. Kindree, who passed away in 2009, was instrumental to laying the groundwork for local healthcare services that continue to serve Squamish today.

Before his passing, he worked diligently to accomplish one of his final goals – to see a CT scanner brought to the Squamish General Hospital and for his wife Norma Kindree to be able to see it.

“He started the ball rolling, and he continued to work tirelessly towards that goal,” Karyn Smith, President of the Squamish Hospital Foundation said.

And at the age of 101, Norma was present for the unveiling at Squamish General Hospital.

We are honoured to have contributed to making his final vision a reality.

“I would like to thank all the community donors for their generous donations towards making this CT a reality, notably the Kindree family and Woodfibre LNG,” Smith said.

Our approach to serving communities

Supporting local health care is just one way we seek contribute to the local community in a lasting way.

The scanner’s early impact reflects what is possible when community vision, health-care leadership and local investment come together around a shared priority: helping people access the care they need closer to home.