Bringing Better Breathing Closer to Home: A New Era for Respiratory Care in Fort St. John
We’re proud to announce that the FSJ Hospital Foundation has received a generous grant from TB Vets to support the purchase of a Body Plethysmograph, a vital piece of equipment for the Respiratory Department at the Fort St. John Hospital.
This advanced diagnostic tool allows for detailed pulmonary function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and respiratory muscle strength. Until now, patients in our region had to travel to Prince George or even Alberta for this level of testing, often facing wait times of up to a year. With the Body Plethysmograph soon to be available right here in Fort St. John, approximately 2,300 patients annually will have access to faster, more accurate respiratory diagnostics close to home.
Better Access, Better Care
For many in the North Peace, accessing specialized respiratory testing has meant long waits and even longer travel, often at a time when breathing and day to day activities are already difficult. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition or uncovering the cause of new symptoms, timely answers can make all the difference.
With this testing soon to be available right here in Fort St. John the journey to answers is shorter, more comfortable, and more compassionate. “It’s not just about machines and data, it’s about people,” says FSJ Hospital Foundation Executive Director Kelly Amboe, “It’s about making sure you or your loved ones can get the care you need without the added stress of travel or delay.”
A Regional Milestone
The Body Plethysmograph is more than a new piece of equipment, it’s a milestone for Northeastern BC, home to over 72,000 residents. It enables local specialists to diagnose and monitor conditions like COPD, asthma, neuromuscular disease, and lung cancer, and even conduct pre-transplant assessments.
“This is a significant advancement for respiratory care in our region,” says Denise Mitchell, RRT, Clinical Team Lead, Respiratory Therapy Department. “Having this level of diagnostic testing available locally means we can identify conditions earlier, tailor treatments more effectively, and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients across the North Peace.”
A Shared Commitment to Care
This project reflects the FSJ Hospital Foundation’s commitment to enhancing healthcare in the North Peace. while highlighting the power of partnership between healthcare professionals, community donors, and organizations like TB Vets, whose mission to support frontline respiratory care aligns with our own.
Looking Ahead
Once this new machine is up and running, we will be sharing stories from patients and healthcare professionals who have been able to utilize this new service. These stories will highlight the real impact of bringing advanced respiratory diagnostics to Fort St. John and the difference it makes in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
To our community, thank you for your continued support. And to TB Vets, thank you for helping us bring better breathing and better care, closer to home.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Emily Olson, Community Giving & Event Coordinator
at 250-261-7564 or email Emily.Olson@northernhealth.ca