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Frontier Diagnostics presented to Strathmore Town Council on Wednesday (Nov. 20) discussing the potential of bringing in a CT scanner to the Strathmore Hospital.
According to Dr. Alex Koziarz, 2021 numbers from Alberta Health Services say the life expectancy of the local geographic area of Strathmore is just over 79 years old.
The area also includes residents from Wheatland County and Siksika Nation.
"These numbers were specifically worse compared to communities such as Chestermere, High River, and Hinton," says Koziarz.
Koziarz mentioned a CT scanner is absent in Strathmore. He added that the scanner can be used to diagnose a stroke, fractures, or things like appendicitis.
"It can also be ordered by your family doctor to identify diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease."
Koziarz says in Strathmore, if someone is dying, a doctor will have to call the nearest CT scanner in Calgary and ask for an ambulance to the nearest hospital where they will have to wait.
"There have been several patients in Strathmore who have died waiting for that CT scan. Many of whom are friends or family that we know here," says Koziarz.
Koziarz told members of council that a CT scanner would have a huge economic impact including attracting more family doctors and increasing employment.
Frontier Diagnostics says they would invest $1.6 million for startup costs for a CT scanner and construct a suite in the Strathmore Hospital.
"We would like to cover the operating costs of the clinic," says Koziarz.
That cost would be just over $996,000 to cover nurses, secretaries, service costs, image viewer software, and CT technologists.
Mayor Pat Fule says it's an exciting opportunity and there would be no capital funding needed from the town.
"I can see how it would bring young doctors here who could then rely on the CT scans to help with their practices."
Taylor Durant, a parent in Strathmore says her daughter was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor when she was just 18 months old.
She said she was able to bring her to the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary and into surgery within five days. Her daughter then began treatment which led to recovery.
"It's so important we continue to advocate for timely access to CT scans. It's a critical part of ensuring that patients, especially in a rural area get the best care and the best chance at a healthy future."
Councillor Melissa Langmaid brought forward a motion for Mayor Fule to sign a letter of support for Frontier Diagnostics to bring in a CT scanner.
The motion was passed.
Town administration said the letter will be sent to Alberta Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange and Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge, which will ask for a contract to be given to Frontier Diagnostics.
Koziarz mentioned the building of the CT suite would take anywhere from six to nine months.
He said getting the CT scanner would be quicker, but an overall estimate would be for 2026.