Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) has officially broken ground in its eagerly anticipated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite, heralding a new era in diagnostic precision and patient care for Essex County. Scheduled to be completed in late 2024, the project is poised to transform healthcare delivery at ESHC. The purchase of the physical MRI machine and corresponding facility upgrades, a $5 million investment into the hospital, will be solely funded through the generosity of the community.

To bridge the gap until the suite’s opening, Erie Shores HealthCare will deploy a temporary mobile MRI scanner this spring, addressing the immediate community needs and mitigating current wait times.

Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare, shared her excitement about the groundbreaking. “This initiative marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art healthcare services. The addition of the MRI suite at Erie Shores HealthCare is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the community, ensuring access to critical diagnostic services right here at home.”

Construction comes on the heels of a funding announcement by the provincial government in December 2022, providing $800,000 in annual funding to operate the cutting-edge MRI scanner. Essex County council also recently committed $2 million over ten years to support the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging redevelopment, which will enhance medical services for over 150,000 residents. A remarkable $1 million donation from Unico and Primo Foods to Erie Shores Health Foundation (ESHF) kicked off fundraising efforts for the new MRI suite.

“We are beyond grateful for this generous gift from Unico and Primo Foods. The gift lays the foundation for bringing this project to fruition,” remarked Penny Bellhouse, ESHF Executive Director. “The support and generosity of our community will continue to be crucial in completing this project and executing the exciting plans for the future of our hospital.”

The introduction of the MRI scanner is a response to the essential need for local access to advanced diagnostic tools, previously necessitating patient transfers to regional hospitals. This advancement is expected to streamline patient care, reduce emergency room wait times, and shorten inpatient stays, significantly improving the quality of healthcare delivery.