SURREY, B.C. — Patients in the Fraser Valley are set to benefit from enhanced access to diagnosis and treatment as Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre embarks on a major modernization of its interventional radiology suite.
The upgrade, which involves replacing aging medical equipment and renovating the surrounding clinical space, is expected to be completed by early 2026. The project will allow the hospital to deliver more advanced minimally invasive procedures, improving outcomes and reducing recovery times for patients across the region.
“These equipment upgrades will improve access to care for patients in the Fraser Valley,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “But this is more than just new equipment — by providing patients with advanced procedures and better care, it’s a major step forward in building the health-care infrastructure our communities need.”
A Growing Role for Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology is an increasingly vital specialty in modern medicine, offering targeted, image-guided treatments that reduce the need for traditional surgery. Using X-ray technology, physicians can guide needles, wires, and catheters through small incisions to address a wide range of conditions, from vascular and urologic issues to musculoskeletal and gynecologic disorders.
The techniques are not only less invasive but are also proving critical in emergency situations, including the treatment of embolisms and internal bleeding. Compared to open surgery, interventional radiology typically results in less pain, faster recovery, and lower complication risks, making it particularly beneficial for seniors and other high-risk patients.
With demand for such procedures rising, the new suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital is designed to keep pace with patient needs. The modernization will feature ceiling-mounted equipment to create a more functional and ergonomic workspace, ensuring medical teams can work more efficiently from all sides of the patient.
Funding Partnership
The total cost of the project is pegged at $7.5 million. The Province of British Columbia is contributing $3.9 million, while the Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District is providing $2.6 million. Up to $1 million is being supplied by the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, thanks in large part to a major private donation.
“People of all ages – particularly seniors at risk of complications from conventional surgery – are benefitting from interventional radiology,” Fraser Health noted in its announcement. The health authority has been steadily expanding non-invasive treatment options at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and Royal Columbian Hospital, including tumour ablation for cancer care and vascular interventions such as angioplasty and stenting.
Local Leaders Welcome Investment
Health officials and community leaders say the new suite will strengthen local capacity and ease pressure on existing hospital resources.
“The upgraded interventional radiology suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre represents a vital investment in our on-going commitment to delivering exceptional care to our communities,” said Kevin Enns, Executive Director of Medical Imaging at Fraser Health. “This enhancement strengthens access to advanced medical procedures and expands our ability to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and families we support. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health, Fraser Valley Regional Hospital District, the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, and our physician partners for their support in making this project possible.”
Liz Harris, Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, also highlighted the importance of community contributions. “Thanks to the vision of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation and the extraordinary generosity of the James and Pamela Braun Family, whose $1 million gift made the interventional radiology suite at Abbotsford Regional Hospital possible, we will be saving lives with state-of-the-art equipment and improving health outcomes across our community,” Harris said.
Broader Commitment
The project underscores Fraser Health’s wider commitment to improving access to advanced care across the region. With more than 50,000 staff, medical professionals, and volunteers, the authority serves a population that spans 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
Fraser Health acknowledged the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations in its release, affirming its dedication to serving Indigenous communities while recognizing the cultural heritage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in the region.
As construction progresses, the upgraded suite is expected to position Abbotsford Regional Hospital as a stronger hub for interventional radiology in the Fraser Valley, ensuring patients receive safer, faster, and more effective care.
