The Brightshores Health System president and CEO was joined by staff this morning in Owen Sound to open the hospital's second magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lab.
Almost a year ago, in December 2022, the province of Ontario announced operational funding for 27 different MRI labs, which included a second lab in Owen Sound and a first lab for Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.
The provincial funding covers only the operation of the MRI lab, not the cost of the MRI machine or any related construction to house the machine and lab. Currently, Collingwood's hospital is still raising funds for its equipment and renovations.
In Owen Sound, prior to the second lab opening, their original MRI lab operated 18 hours a day, seven days per week. The funding for the second MRI lab will allow it to operate eight hours a day on weekdays.
"This expansion is part of Brightshores’ ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare services in the region and ensure that physicians have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools," stated a news release from Brightshores, which also noted the second machine will help reduce wait times.
Ann Ford, the president and CEO of Brightshores, helped cut the ribbon on the new MRI lab on Nov. 9.
“We are thrilled to introduce the second MRI machine at the Owen Sound Hospital," said Ford in the news release. "This is a major step in our journey to enhance healthcare services for our community. This investment allows us to provide timely and accurate diagnoses to our patients, improving their overall health outcomes. Let me take this opportunity to thank our generous donors who continue to support the purchase of medical equipment.”
For more information on the fundraising campaign for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital's MRI machine and lab renovations, visit the hospital foundation website here.
