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GE, a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games, has announced that it is donating a new 64-slice CT scanner as a legacy gift to the Sea to Sky Region, British Columbia.

GE (NYSE:GE), a worldwide partner of the Olympic Games, has announced that it is donating a new 64-slice CT scanner as a legacy gift to the Sea to Sky Region, British Columbia. GE's Lightspeed VCT will be located in the Whistler Health Care Centre in advance of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, and will remain within the community following the Games. This is the first CT scanner to be located in Whistler, providing residents of the Sea to Sky region with improved access to health care services closer to home.

GE's imaging equipment, notably MRI and ultrasound, will be used to help doctors diagnose and treat athletes during the 2010 Olympic Games. GE is also conducting ongoing cardiac and musculoskeletal research with some or several National Olympic Teams in order to improve technology in sports medicine.

"We are delighted that Whistler, a world-class destination, now has this essential equipment for residents and visitors," notes Peter Foss, President, Olympic Sponsorship, GE. "Residents will no longer have to travel long distances for CT scans. It's gratifying to know that one of GE's innovative healthcare products will deliver substantial benefit within the Sea to Sky region."

"We are extremely pleased with the tremendous support from GE for the Legacy CT Scan," notes Dr. Jack Taunton, VANOC Chief Medical Officer. "This legacy gift will help ensure that British Columbians seeking health care services at their local hospitals and clinics in Sea to Sky communities receive a high standard of care before, during, and after the 2010 Games."

The Whistler Health Care Centre is part of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), which will provide operating funding for the CT scanner, expected to be in use by the end of 2008. "Physicians and clinicians are increasingly turning to diagnostic technology to better address the health needs of their patients and the community," said Ida Goodreau, President and CEO of VCH. "This CT scanner will be an important legacy from the 2010 Winter Games, and demonstrates the strength of different organizations and foundations working in partnership to meet the needs of the people we serve."

The Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District is providing approximately $1.21m towards the $2.3m construction and installation project. The remaining $1.1m has been raised by the Whistler Health Care Foundation, the Squamish Hospital Foundation, and the Pemberton Health Care Foundation. "I am delighted to acknowledge the generosity of our community and the many donors who have contributed to this significant milestone," notes Marnie Simon, Chairperson Whistler Health Care Foundation.

"We are so grateful that GE has been generous enough to help our community improve its health care system," notes Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Garibaldi. "The CT Scanner will be appreciated immensely by the local community as well as visitors to the region."