Patients from across northwestern Ontario now have access to “world-class diagnostic imaging” close to home, with the opening of an upgraded diagnostic imaging centre of excellence at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).

The centre will offer nine imaging modalities, with the most recent additions being a state-of-the-art mammography unit, breast ultrasound and biopsy suite, and now Kenora’s first-ever MRI machine, according to the hospital.

A news release from LWDH said the centre has been made possible through the Beyond the Scan Campaign, led by the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation. Together with the generosity of donors, businesses, service clubs and community partners, the campaign raised $9,522,151 to fund diagnostic imaging equipment not covered by government funding.

Cheryl O’Flaherty, president and CEO at LWDH, called it “a truly historic achievement for our incredible team and community.”

“The centre will strengthen the care we provide, attract and retain exceptional health-care professionals, and serve patients and families for decades to come.”

Additionally, the foundation’s excellence fund, supported by ongoing community contributions, will provide critical resources over the next two fiscal years to further strengthen diagnostics at Lake of the Woods District Hospital, the release said. 

‘Bringing advanced, compassionate care home’

LWDH said proceeds will be directed toward sustaining, upgrading and enhancing the technology and services within the centre to ensure it continues to meet the region’s evolving health-care needs.

“The centre is proof of what can happen when a community comes together,” said Ashley Hendy, LWDH Foundation board chair in the release.

“Every gift, every effort, made this possible. It’s not just about equipment, it’s about bringing advanced, compassionate care home.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Catherine Murray, radiologist and diagnostic imaging service lead at LWDH, said in the release that from a clinical perspective, the centre brings Kenora to “the gold standard of diagnostic care.” 

“Having these technologies here means timely treatment for patients. Most importantly, it ensures health equity. Patients in northwestern Ontario now have access to the same level of care as those in larger urban centers, without the burden of travel,” added Murray.

LWDH said MRI services will officially open on Sept. 8, and run Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It says all referrals to MRI throughout the region will run through a central wait-list management system, which will ensure timely and efficient service.