SLMHC receiving major investment to build new MRI suite, paving way for MRI in Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is excited to announce the Ontario government is investing up to $8.1 million to build a state-of-the art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite in Sioux Lookout, supporting the first MRI machine in Sioux Lookout.

The investment allows SLMHC to renovate approximately 1,900 square feet for a new state-of-the-art MRI suite to house the MRI machine.

“We have been working diligently to advocate for our hospital and patients for a number of services, one of them being the implementation of an MRI unit. I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Health for recognizing and supporting this need for our patients,” says Dean Osmond, President and CEO of SLMHC.

SLMHC has identified a need to install and operate an MRI for clinical purposes to help improve the continuity of care for the 2,300 inpatients, 21,500 emergency patients, and 81,000 outpatients it approximately serves on an annual basis.

Overall, the implementation of an MRI unit will help close health equity gaps for people in the Sioux Lookout catchment area by:

  • Reducing wait times for required MRI scans for residents served by the SLMHC;
  • Eliminate the need to travel to Thunder Bay or Winnipeg to receive an MRI;
  • Improve access to health care services;
  • Improve the quality of health care services and continuity of care for SLMHC patients.

“Providing MRI services within our region is a critical step in improving healthcare access for our region and the surrounding First Nations communities. By offering timely, high-quality imaging closer to home, we ensure equitable access to essential diagnostic services, supporting better health outcomes for those who have historically faced barriers to care,” says Arianna Kitching, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at SLMHC.

Since December of 2023, the SLMHC Foundation has worked tirelessly on a fundraising campaign to directly support the required capital costs associated with construction to house the new MRI Scanner, as well as the MRI machine itself. Through the generous support of many donors, the SLMHC Foundations’ MRI campaign has raised approximately $2.5 million to date.

The SLMHC Foundation shared in a media release on January 24, “As the cost of the scanner and supporting equipment are the responsibility of SLMHC, the Foundation’s MRI Campaign to raise money will continue. All funds raised through this campaign will continue to be directed to the Equipment Fund with priority being given to the MRI. For more information or to donate today, visit slmhc.on.ca/foundation or contact Donor Relations/Operations Coordinator, Melissa Slade at 807-737-7997 or by email at foundation@slmhc.on.ca.”

Once operational, SLMHC will receive base funding from Ontario Health North West to support the operating hours of the MRI. SLMHC will join Lake of the Woods District Hospital and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as hospitals in Northwestern Ontario equipped with an MRI machine.