Peterborough Regional Health Centre expects to have its second magnetic resonance imaging MRI machine to begin serving patients next month late last week.
On Friday PRHC released a video showing the machine on Jan. 28 being hoisted and lowered into the hospital where it will be housed on the diagnostic imaging department (level 3). Hospital officials expect to have the machine fully operational and serving patients in March.
Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s executive vice-president and chief of staff, says the day is an “important milestone” for the hospital and the thousands of people it serves. She noted over the past four years, demand for MRI scanning has increased by 53 per cent at the hospital. In the fall, hospital officials said the current average wait time for an MRI at the hospital is four months.
“Adding a second MRI machine will allow us to perform up to 5,000 additional MRI procedures each year at PRHC — this is incredible news,” she said.
On average, an MRI machine has a 10-year lifespan.
“Not only will having a second MRI improve access to care closer to home for our patients, it will decrease wait times and offer modern, leading-edge MRI technology for our patients.”
The Ontario government in late 2021 announced funding to support the operation of the second MRI at the hospital which included a new addition on the department to house the machine.
“Residents in our community will receive better health care, faster, and right here in Peterborough with this second MRI machine,” said Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith. “Fewer people will have to travel to other cities to receive care, saving time and money while enabling patients to focus more on what really matters — wellness.”
“I want to thank the incredible team at PRHC for what they continue to do each and every day for our community,” Smith added.
Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC’s president and CEO, said the entire team thanks the province for the support.
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“On behalf of the hospital’s senior leadership, Board of Directors, and the entire team at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, I would like to thank Ontario’s Minister of Health, Christine Elliott; Ontario Health and MPP Smith for the provincial funding that has helped to make this additional MRI possible,” he said. “I would also like to thank the PRHC Foundation for their continued support in bringing a second MRI to PRHC.”
The MRI is the hospital’s second Philips Ambition 1.5T MRI system.
“The installation of another Philips Ambition 1.5T MRI system will help PRHC continue to deliver on their mission of providing the best quality of care to the people of Peterborough and its surrounding communities,” said Sharad Juneja, Philips Canada’s business marketing and sales leader, precision diagnosis.
“Having two Ambition MRI machines in PRHC’s fleet will enhance patient care and accessibility by reducing patient wait times. In addition, PRHC is improving the clinician and patient experience with these MRI machines by optimizing workflow and offering an immersive audio-visual experience to help calm patients and guide them through MRI exams.”
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