As part of ongoing announcements of provincial funding for more magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lab operations, Ontario confirmed today some of the funding will support a second lab in Owen Sound.
Grey Bruce Health Services' Owen Sound hospital will receive operational funding for an MRI lab, which would be the second lab at the Owen Sound hospital.
The cost of the machine and any renovations necessary to accommodate it will be left up to the hospital foundation to cover, but the province has committed about $800,000 toward operation of the lab, according to a news release by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers.
“A second MRI supports our current regional stroke program, improves wait times, and aligns with our future plans for clinical expansion and growth. Our Foundation has been ready with anticipation to receive this great news,” said Gary Sims, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services.
Currently, the Owen Sound hospital's MRI lab operates 18 hours a day, seven days a week. According to Grey Bruce Health Services, the funding announced by the province will allow the new MRI to run eight hours a day on weekdays. The hospital expects to have the new MRI operational by fall, 2023.
In Collingwood on Dec. 12, Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced $20 million in operational funding support split over 27 different MRI labs across the province. The exact allocation for each site is not specified, nor are the other sites.
So far, the province confirmed some of the operational funding will go to Collingwood, though it's not clear how much. Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation will also have to raise the funds to buy the MRI machine and to renovate a space to put the machine in. Hospital president and CEO Mike Lacroix said the goal is to have the machine up and running in 12 to 18 months. How often it will be running is still to be determined based on the specifics of the funding from the province. Lacroix said he expects it will be running five days a week for appointments and available for emergencies 24/7.
