GUELPH – It has been 14 years since the community came together to fund Guelph’s first MRI scanner. Today, up to 15,000 MRI scans are completed annually at Guelph General Hospital and it hopes to purchase a new one.
While a new MRI will cost $2.25 million to purchase and install, close to $1 million has been raised since the spring, and the push is on to raise the balance.
“We urgently need to replace our hospital’s MRI scanner before it becomes unreliable,” said Dr. Samir Patel, a radiologist and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging at the hospital.
“We rely on the MRI scanner to help so many patients: patients who need an answer to their spine or neck pain; patients who are suffering with torn muscles or ligaments; patients who are being treated and monitored in their battle against cancer; and critically ill patients within the hospital. We can’t afford even a day of downtime for repair.”
A new MRI scanner will be twice as fast as the current model and will be able to scan 17,000 patients annually.
“I’m incredibly proud of our track record of consistently ranking as one of Ontario’s most efficiently run MRI scanners,” Patel said.“And I know we can help even more patients with a new MRI scanner.”
New MRI technology also produces better quality images. This will allow doctors to see smaller details with greater clarity, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital will continue to fundraise for the MRI as part of its seasonal campaign that includes a series of letters to current and potential new supporters.
Anyone interested may also make a donation online at www.gghfoundation.ca; by phone to 519-837-6422; or by cheque payable to The Foundation of GGH mailed to 115 Delhi Street, Guelph, ON N1E 4J4.
People are also invited to play the 50/50 Hospital Lottery as monthly lottery proceeds will continue to be counted towards the new MRI until the $2.25 million goal is reached.
