Sudbury hospital's MRI fundraiser a success with $2.25M final donation
A final donation of $2.25 million from Mississauga-based FDC Foundation has brought Health Sciences North Foundation's $7 million fundraising campaign to a successful end.
In a news release Tuesday, HSN said they now have the funding to buy a second MRI -- a new 3 Tesla MRI model – and to upgrade the existing MRI scanner at the hospital.
"Reaching this exciting milestone in the campaign means that patients across northeastern Ontario can soon look forward to shorter wait times for high quality MRI scans and faster diagnosis," HSN said.
The effort was a joint fundraising initiative of HSN Foundation, NEO Kids Foundation and the Northern Cancer Foundation and is wrapping up ahead of schedule and at a critical time.
"The sole MRI at HSN is already operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it is still a challenge to keep up with patient needs," the release said.
The addition of the second MRI will add capacity to current operations, helping to reduce wait times – currently 84 days or more -- closer to the provincial target time of 28 days.
“On behalf of the boards of directors of the three foundations, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to FDC Foundation for their transformative gift of $2.25 million that will have a tremendous impact on all patients who rely on an MRI for quality and timely care,” Anthony Keating, HSN Foundation president and chief development officer, said in the release.
“We are grateful to have the support of a philanthropic leader that values the importance of equitable access to health care services for all patients, regardless of where they live.”
The new 3 Tesla MRI model for HSN provides superior imaging abilities, improved patient experience and faster scan times. It produces detailed pictures of the brain, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.
Will reduce wait times
MRI scans are integral to many specialties in medicine, including neurology, cancer, pediatrics, orthopedics, women’s health and cardiology.
“Thanks to FDC Foundation, we will be able to deliver high quality imaging, in a timely manner, to ensure that all patients get the care they need, when they need it,” said Dr. Heidi Schmidt, chief and medical director of medical imaging and radiologist at HSN.
“A second MRI with advanced capabilities will help address wait times, achieve quality results and improve overall patient experience.”
“We are beyond thrilled to be able to deliver on the acquisition of a second MRI with the support of generous donors, like FDC Foundation, along with our community partners and the three Foundations,” Dominic Giroux, president and CEO of HSN, said in the release.
“We thank FDC Foundation for their significant gift that will support the health of patients across northeastern Ontario for many years to come.”
“We are pleased to help bring advanced MRI technology closer to patients across the northeast,” FDC Foundation said in a statement.
“Waiting or travelling to have an MRI can often be stressful for patients and their loved ones. We are happy to know that patients will have easier access to quality diagnostic imaging to ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Construction of the new MRI suite began in March 2021 and the full project will be complete before the end of this year. The total cost for the new MRI, upgrades to the existing scanner, construction and installation is about $7 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.