Strathmore receives cutting-edge technology

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

As frustrations regarding the lack of medical equipment at the Strathmore hospital continued to mushroom over the past three decades, a new medical clinic is relieving some pressures and filling a considerable need, by re-introducing state-of-the-art technology back into the community.
The Pinnacle Medical Clinic, which recently opened up in Strathmore and had its ribbon cutting ceremony on July 31, is actively recruiting doctors, housing a Peak Pulmonary Function lab and a Peak Sleep Apnea and Snoring clinic, and is hoping to bring specialists to the town for a day to help eliminate residents’ costly and burdensome trips to Calgary.
“We lost those services in Strathmore about a decade ago,” said Dr. Rahim Damji, who is a family physician at the new clinic. “There’s not a demand to keep those services here every day, but if we can be proactive and organize patients and ones from other clinics and bring them all together and book a day for a cardiologist, instead of them having to go there, then we can bring them here.”
With the addition of the pulmonary function technology, the first of its kind in Strathmore, patients are no longer obligated to make their way to the city. The lab is ideal for testing any lung issues, ranging from asthma to lung cancer, by measuring a patient’s lung volume, diffusion levels, and performing a Spirometry test.
“It’s really helpful that they can have it done here,” said Amin Thawer, owner of Pinnacle Medical Clinic.
“We have a really good relationship with Calgary Co-op and we’ve opened-up numerous sites in Calgary and we thought this would be an excellent site, knowing that patients need these medical services. With the help of Dr. Damji, who’s been in Strathmore for many years, it just seemed like a natural partnership.”
The addition of the Strathmore location signalled the Pinnacle Medical Clinic’s seventh location. Since the facility, which currently contains an overall staff of five, can accommodate up to four physicians, the prospect of attracting more doctors to the area is a good sign to some local politicians.
“The Pinnacle Medical is looking to bring more doctors into their clinic, and there’s a huge need for more doctors, so this is very, very good,” said Mayor Michael Ell, who was present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The more growth we meet, the more we need medical services, and this is just one more being added. I’m personally pleased to see them here.”
The Pinnacle Medical Centre opened its doors at 120 Edgefield Place at the Co-op location in Strathmore. The clinic is currently accepting new patients.