New Ultrasound Unit Enables Waterloo Wellington Breast Centre to See 150-200 More Patients per Month

With New Ultrasound Unit, Urgent Biopsies Can Be Addressed Within Two Weeks and Urgent Breast Screening Cases Within a Few Days

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - The Waterloo Wellington Breast Centre (WWBC) at Grand River Hospital's Freeport Site, today announces that it has increased its breast screening capabilities with a new premium ultrasound unit, enabling the Centre to see 150-200 more patients per month. The quality of equipment at the WWBC now equals or surpasses any of the larger centers across Ontario− the Centre can address urgent biopsies within two weeks and urgent screening cases within a few days, depending on whether or not a mammogram is required.

For the past six years the WWBC has been operating at full capacity with one ultrasound breast machine, using it as a diagnostic tool along with mammography to perform breast assessment. After a generous donation by The Kavelman-Fonn Foundation, an advanced Philips Matrix IU22 ultrasound machine (one of the most advanced technologies performing this function on the market today), is in place in a new ultrasound unit to provide advanced exams for detecting breast anomalies.

The donation by The Kavelman-Fonn Foundation has been made in Dr. Eugene Rafferty's name, a leading Radiologist at Grand River Hospital. According to Dr. Rafferty: "Our staff has built individual relationships with patients based on trust and compassion. We're proud that so many women from across our region trust us with their care."

Dennis Kavelman of The Kavelman-Fonn Foundation stated: "As one the country's fastest-growing innovation hubs, it's essential that Waterloo has top notch technology in place to keep our community healthy and thriving. We're delighted that the new ultrasound machine is in place to serve the needs of women in this region."

Last night, the WWBC celebrated the unveiling of the new unit. Malcolm Maxwell, President and CEO of Grand River Hospital, noted: "This generous donation will enable the WWBC to improve service to women in our region and increase the number of women we can screen. This would not have been made possible without The Kavelman-Fonn Foundation's gift."

About the WWBC: Serving more than 13,000 women annually, the WWBC offers the Ontario Breast Screening Program with state-of-the-art screening equipment for women in our region. In 2012, 9,100 Ontario women developed breast cancer and approximately 2,000 died from the disease. While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, when it's found early, there is a good chance it can be cured.

SOURCE: Grand River Hospital Foundation

please contact the Grand River Hospital Foundation at 519-749-4205