Jan 9th, COLLINGWOOD ON: Thanks to the generous support of the community, Collingwood Hospital Foundation has successfully raised over $5 million, hitting their goal to fund the new MRI Machine and the construction of the MRI suite.
“We are extraordinarily grateful to this community for helping us raise these critical funds.” says Alison Smith, Director of Operations & Communications, “Having excellent healthcare in the region is a priority and the way our community stepped up to support this initiative is proof that this is a priority for us all.”
Each year, over 7,000 people in South Georgian Bay (SGB) will require MRI services: inpatients and emergency patients, as well as those individuals with health issues such as cancer, orthopaedic issues, stroke, and brain disorders. They are often left with no other option than to travel upwards of 90 km roundtrip to access this important diagnostic service, often navigating long waitlists and losing precious time. Residents face wait times that are 2 to 3 times longer than residents in other areas of the province.
“Thank you to our hospital leadership at all levels for its diligence and ongoing commitment to the improvement of patient care where we live and work,” says CGMH Foundation President & CEO Jory Pritchard-Kerr, “It’s a community which we want to help prosper and there is no better way to help SGB flourish than by providing the very best care.”
Patients at CGMH are facing life-threatening conditions as they wait for an MRI scan. A local MRI machine will be of tremendous value not just for these patients, but for many others in our community who have had to endure the agony of waiting for an often life-changing diagnosis. Patients, especially within South Georgian Bay’s aging population, will benefit from receiving the critical care and diagnoses needed, close to home. They won’t have to travel down the highway – in unpredictable weather – to receive a diagnosis many days later.
The hospital worked incredibly hard to secure a contract for the MRI machine, putting out a request for bids in April and successfully awarding the contract at the end of 2023. Their goal is to have the MRI operational in early 2025. CGMH has funding from the province for 2,000 operating hours for its MRI lab in the first year, which equates to about 6,000 to 7,000 MRI scans in a year.
“Thanks to the generosity of our communities, we will have access to essential diagnostic techniques here, locally.” says Dr. Murray Miller, Chief of Radiology, “Not only will our hospital be able to operate more efficiently, but it will also ensure our patients are examined faster and with greater care.” About the Collingwood Hospital Foundation
The Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation inspires the communities of South Georgian Bay to invest in the facilities, equipment, programs and services for the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital. With 90% of all the Equipment and Technology at the G&M Hospital funded by community support, the Foundation successfully carries out many large fundraising initiatives to fund the hospital’s most critical needs. Learn more about the Foundation at collingwoodhospital.com.
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