PRPA Supports Ear, Nose, and Throat Health in Northwest B.C.

EFFECTIVE MAY 13, 2024

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – Advanced surgical Rhinology services will soon be available to patients across northwestern B.C. for the first time ever, thanks to a partnership between the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) and the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation.  

Through a $51,000 commitment from PRPA’s Community Investment Fund, a new Scopis Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) navigation system has been purchased for the Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace. The new imaging system offers electromagnetic technology for high-definition guidance during complex sinus and skull-based surgeries. 

This investment will help patients as far away as Burns Lake, Dease Lake, Haida Gwaii, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Stewart and Terrace. 

According to the Foundation, up to 60 per cent of rhinology patients require surgery. With the new ENT equipment, the need to refer to Vancouver will be greatly reduced, potentially saving patients travel time and expenses while keeping them closer to their personal support.

This upgrade will not require any new surgical instruments as the hospital is otherwise equipped for this type of surgery. 

“On behalf of the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation, we would like to thank the Prince Rupert Port Authority for their ongoing partnership and support for the betterment of healthcare services in the region,” said Chris Mallet, Chairman of the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation. “Having a state-of-the-art ENT Navigation System will not only allow patients to stay closer to home for treatment but also assist in recruitment of physicians and technicians specializing in Ear, Nose & Throat surgeries.  We appreciate the collaboration and generosity of the Prince Rupert Port Authority and look forward to working together in the future.”

This is now the second time PRPA has invested in the Terrace hospital, following a contribution of $19,500 towards the Women’s Wellness Centre and Colposcopy Clinic back in 2021.   

“Building a better medical future here in the Northwest and supporting an improved standard of living for northerners is extremely important,” said Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “PRPA is proud to team up with the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation to enhance capabilities in-house and provides patients some relief from having to travel long distances for specialized services.” 

To date, PRPA’s Community Investment Fund has contributed more than $700,000 to the purchase of new medical equipment and other upgrades in northwest B.C., including: 

• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Bed Replacement Project – $150,000 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Cancer Care Unit upgrade – $100,000 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine upgrade – $72,500 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital X-Ray Machine Replacement – $69,750 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Orthopedic Surgical Equipment – $60,500 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Laparoscopic Surgical Tower – $60,000 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital In-patient Bathtub upgrade – $45,500 
• Prince Rupert Regional Hospital Palliative Care upgrades – $36,500 
• Prince Rupert Hospital Cancer Screening Scope Guide – $35,260 
• Acropolis Manor Door Wrap Project – $15,000