News Release

For immediate release 
March 20, 2003

ECBC is Proud to Support the Taking Care of Cape Breton Campaign

SYDNEY, N.S. – Mr. Rick Beaton, Vice-President of Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and Chief Operating Officer of the Cape Breton Growth Fund Corporation (CBGF) announced funding today to help the Taking Care of Cape Breton Campaign and the Cape Breton District Health Authority (CBDHA) acquire a Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI) and a Bone Densitometer for the Regional Hospital. 

The Diagnostic Imaging Services of the Cape Breton District Health Authority have identified MRI technology as the number one diagnostic tool required by physicians. The closest MRI unit to Cape Breton is in Halifax at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. The average waiting time for outpatient exams at the QEII is approximately 65 days.

“ECBC is proud to support a strong community initiative such as this 
one,” says Rick Beaton. “One of our objectives at ECBC is to help communities plan and implement community development projects that have a direct link to long-term, self-sustaining economic activity. Supporting this project improves strategic technology infrastructure that would enable the most current medical technology to come to Cape Breton.” 

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” says John Malcom of the Cape Breton District Health Authority. “Having an MRI and Bone Densitometer in Cape Breton means that people are not forced to travel to Halifax for a scan. This saves time and expenses for the people of Cape Breton and allows them faster access to this very important diagnostic service.”

The total estimated cost of the project is $3,280,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation will provide a $100,000 grant. As a result of having the MRI and Bone Densitometer in Cape Breton, at least eight professional, full-time jobs will be created. This means an increase in medical expertise on the Island.  The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit organization set up to raise money for equipment and services that will enhance patient care at the hospital. The Foundation is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors and a four-member executive. 

"By choosing to support our campaign, ECBC is making an investment in the future of health care for all of Cape Breton,” says Len McNeil, Chair of the "Taking Care of Cape Breton Campaign". “Acquiring this state-of-the-art technology not only ensures local quality care and treatment, it also provides jobs for skilled technicians and will help attract specialists to our region."

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:


D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
Tel:(902) 564-3617

John Malcom
Cape Breton District Health Authority
Tel: (902) 563-2711

Leonard McNeil
Taking Care of Cape Breton Campaign
Tel: (902) 567-7752