A Summerside father is sharing how a CT scanner at Prince County Hospital helped save his life after a serious ATV crash in May 2025. Kolton Nicholson’s story is part of the Prince County Hospital Foundation’s 2026 Vital Signs campaign, which aims to raise $3,233,410 for essential medical equipment, including a new CT scanner.
The foundation launched its most ambitious appeal yet on May 6, 2026. The cornerstone of the campaign is the replacement of the hospital’s aging CT scanner with a state-of-the-art model, an investment of $975,000. According to the Prince County Hospital Foundation, the current scanner was installed in 2016 and served 5,794 patients in its first year. Last fiscal year alone, it helped 13,321 people, more than double that initial figure.
“Representing nearly a third of the total campaign, the CT Scanner is a true workhorse in the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Unit at PCH, serving as a window into the body that nearly every department relies upon, from sudden trauma cases to preventative checks,” the foundation said in a statement. After a decade of service, the machine is reaching retirement and must be replaced.
Nicholson’s story highlights the scanner’s critical role in emergency care. His ATV crash in May 2025 required immediate medical attention, and the hospital’s CT scanner helped diagnose and treat his injuries. The foundation has shared his experience to illustrate why the equipment is so important for the community.
The Vital Signs campaign is an annual initiative by the foundation to fund priority medical equipment identified by the hospital’s Medical Advisory Board. Derek Bondt serves as president of the foundation, and Heather Matheson is the managing director. Donations can be made through the foundation’s website or by contacting the hospital directly.
