Province Announces an Additional $540,800 Annual Funding to Expand Hours
Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) officially opened its new, state-of-the-art MRI suite today, marking a significant milestone in improving access to diagnostic imaging services for residents of Essex County.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at 10:30 a.m., also included a significant funding announcement from the Ontario government to support expanded MRI operating hours.
The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, joined ESHC President and CEO Kristin Kennedy, hospital staff, and community members to celebrate this achievement.
Minister Jones announced that the province will provide an additional $540,800 annually, for a total of $1.34 million, enabling the MRI suite to expand from 8 hours of operation per day to 16 hours per day by April 1, 2025.
“Our government is making record investments to ensure our hospital partners, like Erie Shores Health Care , have the tools they need to continue to deliver high quality care, in their community for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, “Today is an exciting day as we mark the official opening of ESHC’s new MRI suite and our government’s investment to expand access to diagnostic imaging, close to home, for families in Essex County.”
The new MRI suite, which began as a temporary mobile MRI unit in 2024, has quickly become an essential service for ESHC patients. Its transition to a permanent facility will allow for greater capacity and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
“This is a transformative moment for Erie Shores HealthCare and our community,” said Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Erie Shores HealthCare. “Adding permanent MRI services is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative, patient-centred care. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for their continued support and investment in the health of our region.”
The MRI suite will initially operate 8 hours per day, ramping up to 16 hours per day by April 1, 2025, to meet the growing demand for diagnostic imaging.
This expansion aligns with ESHC’s strategic vision to enhance local healthcare access and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for critical services.
“The expansion of MRI services at Erie Shores HealthCare is another example of health care being provided when and where people need it” said Anthony Leardi, MPP For Essex, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health. “More health care closer to home is a huge benefit for our region.”