A massive MRI magnet is being delivered to the Cornwall Community Hospital Monday.
The piece of equipment will be delivered at approximately 8 a.m. and will be transferred by crane through the roof of the new MRI suite.
This MRI technology is used to diagnose and treat neurological disease, cancers, strokes and orthopedic conditions. The MRI scanner will operate eight hours per day, five days per week with the capacity to perform over 3,000 diagnostic tests annually. This number is consistent with the number of patients who are currently referred to health-care facilities outside of our region.
“This new equipment will complement our new Diagnostic Centre of Excellence,” said Jeanette Despatie, Chief Executive Officer of CCH. “It will mean faster diagnosis of several ailments. Faster diagnosis means faster treatment which will improve patients’ experience. It will also enhance our ability to attract the best medical talent to our region.”
Cornwall Community Hospital’s capacity to offer MRI scans will allow referrals from doctors throughout the region, from North and South Glengarry to North and South Dundas, including North and South Stormont, Awkesasne and Cornwall.
“The arrival of the MRI scanner is truly a reason to celebrate,” said Cornwall Hospital Foundation Executive Director Connie Vardy. “For the citizens in our region the days of travelling to Ottawa or Kingston for an MRI will soon be a thing of the past.”
Thanks to donors to the foundation’s $3.5-million To Your Health! Campaign, the foundation has received gifts and pledges totaling $2.5 million so far. However, the price tag for equipment is high and there is still a need to raise the last $1 million by Christmas.
