The federal government is funding a virtual reality system at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to provide injured soldiers with computer-assisted treatment.
The Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, announced a $1.5 million fund for the purchase of a computer-assisted rehabilitation environment (CAREN) at the Glenrose Hospital Sunday morning.
"We have to make sure we give our utmost support to those who may fall ill or injured," said MacKay.
The Surgeon General for the Canadian Forces says the new system is the latest in rehabilitation technology.
"Because it's a 180 degree screen the patient actually feels that they're in that environment, so you can actually get immersed in your...virtual environment to really push yourself," said Commordore Hans Jung, the Canadian Forces Surgeon General.
The system will primarily treat Canadian Forces personnel, providing rehabilitation to amputees, those with spinal cord injuries and soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the CAREN system will also be available to other patients who require it.
"Together we can provide the best rehabilitation support for Canada's ill and injured troops as well as civilians suffering from brain trauma injuries, sports injuries and burns," said Major-General Walter Semianiw.
The Government of Alberta is also assisting in the endeavor, providing $250,000 from an innovation grant to develop and evaluate the CAREN system.
The system is expected to be up and running by early 2011.
The federal government made a similar funding announcement at The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre in February.
With files from Deborah Shiry
