In the fall, we launched a campaign to fund a new CT scanner for the QEH emergency department. Donors across PEI and beyond answered the call with an outpouring of support. Today, we are thrilled to announce that the $1.3 million needed for the CT scanner has been raised in FULL, in only a matter of months. THANK YOU to our incredible community for making this possible.

Set to arrive later this year, this new life-saving equipment is a testament to your incredible generosity.

Having a designated CT scanner in the QEH emergency department will:

• Allow emergency staff to quickly assess major trauma patients and their internal injures. 
• Allow more rapid access to essential brain imaging for stroke patients, as time is crucial in stroke treatment.” 
• Increase the availability of the existing CT scanner in the diagnostic imaging department, which performs close to 12,000 scans per year.
• Help to reduce wait times for patients.
• Reduce the need to transport critically ill patients within the hospital. 

In 2021, a week before a scheduled CT scan, she collapsed on the floor as pain took over her entire body. They immediately drove from Argyle Shore to the QEH emergency department, where she was wheeled down the winding halls from the trauma room to the CT scanner. 

Further tests and consults would conclude that she has an ultra-rare and incurable sarcoma cancer that cannot be detected through ultrasound, which is why it had been missed before. 

“That CT was the first step to a diagnosis,” said Hughes. “It also started my journey to just live; seeing and creating joy in the often overlooked. One of my joys in life is helping others and right now, Islanders need our help in a big way.”

With the tremendous support of Michelle, her family, our QEH health care teams, and Confound Films, we created a special film as part of this year’s Friends for Life campaign, featuring Michelle’s journey of care at the QEH through the years and the health care team behind her.

About the Campaign:

Every year, our Annual Friends for Life Campaign focuses on raising funds to purchase priority medical equipment to assist the QEH family in providing the best health care possible. Support from the community enables us to purchase life-saving, up-to-date medical equipment and technology to care for all Islanders in times of need. Essentially, the majority of the hospital’s medical equipment needs are funded by donations. Gifts of all sizes make a huge impact on patients of the QEH, their families, friends and communities. We hope you can join us in supporting this year’s campaign and contributing to the future of health care in PEI.