Erie Shores HealthCare announces new MRI scanner

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner will be coming to Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC), which will mean residents can get the care they need close to home.

The MRI is a first for Erie Shores and signals a significant Ontario government investment in the future of the community hospital, which provides care to over 150,000 Essex County residents.

Currently, ESHC patients who need an MRI are transferred to other regional hospitals to receive the test, which significantly disrupts their care. When operational, this new MRI will greatly enhance the quality of patient care delivered at the hospital, minimize ER wait times, and decrease in-patient lengths of stay.

“This is great news, and I want to thank Chatham-Kent Leamington Member of Provincial Parliament Trevor Jones for his fast work to bring this project to reality,” said ESHC President and CEO Kristin Kennedy. “I’d also like to thank all the staff and physicians who have worked tirelessly over the last several years to bring this project to fruition. As our hospital grows, this announcement ensures we offer access to the right services close to home.”

Tuesday’s provincial funding announcement provides for ongoing operating funds for the MRI program, including the cost of staffing, supplies and maintenance.

“I’m so proud of the exceptional work done every day by the entire team at Erie Shores HealthCare,” said Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Trevor Jones.

“This project is the culmination of the efforts made by a diverse team of caring professionals and this investment will improve the lives of countless people in our communities.”

“The magnitude of this announcement cannot be overstated,” said ESHC Board Chair Kris Taylor. “This investment in our hospital shows the provincial government understands the important role Erie Shores HealthCare plays in the region’s healthcare system now and into the future.”

With provincial operating funds now in place, the costs to buy the actual MRI equipment and renovate the hospital to house it falls on the Erie Shores Health Foundation and the community.

“Our Foundation is excited to be working with the hospital and our community to make this project a reality,” said Foundation Board Chair Debbie Kobayashi. “This announcement aligns with our plans to initiate a fundraising campaign to ensure the long-held dream of a state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging program at Erie Shores becomes a reality.”

The MRI project is expected to take three years, including work to engineer the space, construct the unit, install new permanent MRI equipment, and train staff on its operation.

Operational costs provided by the province are expected to come in around $800,000 annually.

The cost for the scanner is around $3 million, which will need to be raised through the community.

Leamington Mayor — a new Warden of Essex County — Hilda MacDonald was thrilled that operational costs are being covered by the province.

“That is huge,” she said. “So often these big projects are left up to the community, so this is great.”

Mayor/Warden Hilda MacDonald, ESHC Board Chair Kris Taylor, Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Trevor Jones and ESHC CEO Kristin Kennedy at the MRI announcement on Tuesday, December 13. SUN photo