New State-of-the-Art Mammography Units Arrive on Vancouver Island

Delivering Sharper Imaging, Shorter Wait Times, and Greater Comfort for Patients

Residents and visitors to the Comox Valley—whether they’re enjoying the slopes of Mount Washington, exploring local trails, or simply calling this community home—can take comfort knowing that world-class healthcare is right here when they need it most.

As part of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation’s ongoing campaign to enhance diagnostic equipment at Comox Valley Hospital, a new state-of-the-art mammography unit has arrived—bringing faster, more accurate breast imaging and a more comfortable experience for patients across the region.

Celebrating the arrival of the new state-of-the-art mammography unit at Comox Valley Hospital. Joining in the ribbon-cutting were representatives from the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare, Comox Valley Hospital and Medical Imaging Department leadership, Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation, and a very special friend of the Healthcare Foundation.

This exciting upgrade is part of a tri-site equipment enhancement across Island Health and was made possible through the generous support and partnership of the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare, community donors, and local businesses. Together, these contributions are helping ensure that residents and visitors alike have access to the latest in diagnostic technology—right here close to home.

The new MAMMOMAT B Brilliant mammography system from Siemens Healthineers, distributed in Canada by Siemens Healthineers Canada, is capable of performing more than 5,600 exams each year at Comox Valley Hospital. The system features advanced Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, a cutting-edge 3D imaging technology that delivers sharper, more detailed images, particularly beneficial for patients with dense breast tissue.

“This technology is a game-changer,” said Alexandra Melanson, Medical Imaging Manager for North Vancouver Island. “Patients will benefit from faster scan times, enhanced diagnostic accuracy, and a more comfortable experience during what can be one of the most stressful moments in their healthcare journey.”

The new equipment replaces aging machines that were nearing end of life. With this upgraded unit, patients can now expect shorter wait times, more reliable service, and earlier detection opportunities. Importantly, this new technology also opens the door to future advancements in breast imaging—such as Contrast Enhanced Mammography, a next-generation tool that could assist clinicians and surgeons in presurgical assessment and help ensure patients continue to receive the highest level of care right here at home.

This achievement was made possible through a remarkable show of community support and collaboration.

“We’re so proud of what our community has achieved together,” said Cathie Poje, President of the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare. “This is what collaboration looks like—donors, partners, and healthcare teams working hand in hand to ensure that patients right here on Vancouver Island have access to the very best in medical technology.”

“This incredible achievement reflects the power of community generosity,” added Avry Janes, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. “The arrival of this advanced mammography unit marks an exciting milestone in our ongoing campaign to bring even more leading-edge diagnostic technology to Comox Valley Hospital. Every gift—from individuals to local businesses and foundations—helps move us closer to that goal.”

With the new mammography unit now fully operational, patients are already experiencing the benefits of faster, sharper, and more comfortable exams—a major step forward in diagnostic care for our region.

Fundraising continues, with the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation working closely with the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare and community partners to bring additional state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to the hospital—including the replacement of a fleet of six ultrasound machines. These upgrades will further strengthen diagnostic imaging services, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can count on exceptional care when it’s needed most.