SLMHC, SLMHC Foundation Celebrate Commissioning of Sioux Lookout’s First MRI Machine

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) and the SLMHC Foundation are celebrating a major milestone in bringing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services to the region with the successful commissioning of Sioux Lookout’s first MRI machine.

The commissioning process confirms that the MRI system has been installed, calibrated, and tested to ensure it meets all technical, safety, and operational requirements. This achievement marks another significant step forward in the project and brings SLMHC closer to offering MRI services to patients in Sioux Lookout and the surrounding First Nation communities.

Following commissioning, additional staff training, workflow preparation, and final operational readiness activities will continue over the coming weeks. Patient scans are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026.

“The commissioning of the MRI machine is an exciting and meaningful milestone for our hospital and the communities we serve,” says Dean Osmond, SLMHC President and CEO. “Every stage of this project brings us one step closer to providing MRI services right here in Sioux Lookout, reducing the need for many patients to travel to Thunder Bay or Winnipeg for diagnostic imaging. This is a transformational investment in health care for the north, and we are incredibly grateful to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Northern Development, our partners, and the many donors who supported the SLMHC Foundation’s MRI campaign.”

MRI services will improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging for a patient catchment area of more than 30,000 people, helping to support earlier diagnosis, more timely treatment decisions, and improved continuity of care closer to home.

“Commissioning the MRI system represents an important transition from construction and installation into operational preparation,” says Arianna Kitching, Diagnostic Imaging Manager at SLMHC. “Our team has worked closely with technical specialists and clinical partners to ensure the equipment is ready to meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We are thrilled to be getting closer to welcoming our first patients and providing this essential diagnostic service within our own community.”

The SLMHC Foundation says the commissioning milestone reflects the incredible generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities across the region who contributed to the MRI campaign.

“Seeing the MRI machine successfully commissioned is a moment of celebration for everyone who helped bring this vision to life,” says Rob McClendon, President of the SLMHC Foundation. “The support we received demonstrates what is possible when communities come together to improve access to health care. We look forward to celebrating the official opening with our donors, partners, and community members in the near future.”

Additional updates regarding the launch of MRI services will be shared as planning progresses.