Life-Saving ultrasound technology boosted by $17,500 donation from the Queen’s Muslim Physician Group and NCCM

Dr. Joey Newbigging, POCUS Program Director for Emergency Medicine at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), recently had a pregnant woman who came to the Emergency Department with severe abdominal pain. 

Thanks to a small, portable device known as a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) machine (which can be used bedside to quickly diagnose a patient), the doctor was able to swiftly diagnose the patient with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy within a minute. 

“She was in the operating room within an hour,” Dr. Newbigging explained. “Without this (POCUS) technology, that wouldn’t have happened so quickly.” 

This story underscores the transformative impact of POCUS machines, which are now receiving crucial support thanks to a generous $17,500 donation from the Queen’s Muslim Physician Group and the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM). 

Earmarked to replace vital probes, this gift will ensure that physicians can continue to provide rapid, accurate diagnoses and safer procedures. 

At the cheque presentation held in February, Dr. Ammar Rashid, Chair of the Division of Hospital Medicine at Providence Care, highlighted the immense value of these devices.

“The sheer impact of having this kind of technology is undeniable. POCUS allows for meaningful, life-saving decisions to be made right at the bedside, improving patient safety and outcomes,” Dr. Rashid said. 

Dr. Omar Islam, Head of Diagnostic Radiology at KHSC, emphasized how the technology gives KHSC Emergency Department doctors the ability to make a quicker diagnosis, which helps get people in and out of the hospital faster. 

“It allows us to make diagnoses on the spot without needing to send patients for further imaging. This means faster care, earlier treatment and better patient experiences,” Dr. Islam explained. 

The doctors were inspired to donate after seeing the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign, which highlighted the importance of POCUS machines. 

The decision to support this initiative was a natural fit for the Queen’s Muslim Physician Group and NCCM. 

During the cheque presentation event, Dr. Rashid read statements from both organizations, noting the gift is their way of expressing gratitude to Emergency Department colleagues while helping advance patient care at KHSC and Providence Care. 

The groups want to ensure that all people, especially those from disadvantaged communities, have access to quality health care as they strive to create a more just and compassionate society. Jason Hann, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Executive at KHSC, expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the hospital.

“This generous gift ensures our clinicians have continued access to essential technology, directly impacting patient care at KHSC,” he said.

“Thank you for recognizing the importance of investing in health care and strengthening our ability to serve the community.” 

This donation is more than just a financial contribution. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. 

By investing in advanced medical tools like POCUS machines, the Queen’s Muslim Physician Group and NCCM are not only saving lives but also setting a precedent for meaningful community support in the healthcare 

(Source:  University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s Summer Foundation Report: https://uhkf.ca/summer2025)