January 7, 2004

For immediate release

NEW ENDOSCOPY EQUIPMENT AT NORTHERN ITASCA HEALTH CARE CENTER

BIGFORK, MINN. -- State of the art endoscopy equipment has been purchased by Northern Itasca Health Care Center. The new equipment will replace that presently in use and will provide doctors a clearer picture, better lighting and the ability to save and print images of the inside of the esophagus, stomach and colon, said Nancy Probst, RN, director of patient care services at the hospital.

Endoscopy is a way to send a camera and light source into the esophagus or colon to transmit a visual image to a computer monitor for diagnosis. The new gastroscope and two colonoscopes are equipped with a xenon light source which can illuminate a greater distance. Additional equipment includes a video processor, printer and monitor, all of which will allow the doctor to see and print out high resolution color images and add notes directly on the images.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our services to our patients,” said Dan Odegaard, CEO. “Having this new equipment will help our medical staff serve our patients better. I’m very excited about its potential.”

Northern Itasca Health Care Center is a community hospital located in Bigfork, Minn. offering fully staffed inpatient, outpatient and emergency care to northern Itasca, western Beltrami and Koochiching counties. The Health Care Center also provides clinics for on site specialist care and services for seniors including apartment living, a nursing home based on the Eden model, home care and day stay. For more information, call the hospital at (218) 743-3177.