Health Sciences North (HSN) Foundation is grateful for a generous US$2.25 million gift from Mississauga-based FDC Foundation to successfully complete the US$7 million Unlock the Potential fundraising campaign to purchase a new 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) model and upgrade the existing MRI scanner at HSN. Reaching this exciting milestone in the campaign means that patients across Northeastern Ontario can soon look forward to shorter wait times for high-quality MRI scans and faster diagnosis.

FDC Foundation’s gift brings the Unlock the Potential MRI campaign – a joint fundraising initiative of HSN Foundation, NEO Kids Foundation and the Northern Cancer Foundation – to completion ahead of schedule and at a critical time. The sole MRI at HSN is already operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and it is still a challenge to keep up with patient needs.

The addition of the second MRI will add capacity to current operations – providing patients with the opportunity to move closer to the provincial target time of 28 days, while the current average wait time for some patients at HSN is 84 days or more.

The new 3 Tesla MRI model for HSN provides superior imaging abilities, improved patient experience and faster scan times. It is run by highly trained technologists to produce detailed pictures of the brain, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI scans are integral to many specialties in medicine, including neurology, cancer, pediatrics, orthopedics, women’s health and cardiology.

“Thanks to FDC Foundation, we will be able to deliver high-quality imaging, in a timely manner, to ensure that all patients get the care they need, when they need it,” said chief and medical director of medical imaging and radiologist at HSN, Dr. Heidi Schmidt.

Dr. Schmidt is also radiologist-in-chief at the Joint Department of Diagnostic Imaging in Toronto. The JDMI includes the University Health Network, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Women’s College Hospital.

“A second MRI with advanced capabilities will help address wait times, achieve quality results and improve overall patient experience.”

“We are beyond thrilled to be able to deliver on the acquisition of a second MRI with the support of generous donors, like FDC Foundation, along with our community partners and the three Foundations,” said president and CEO at HSN, Dominic Giroux. “We thank FDC Foundation for their significant gift that will support the health of patients across Northeastern Ontario for many years to come.”

Construction of the new MRI suite began in March 2021 and the full project will be complete before the end of this year. The total cost for the new MRI, upgrades to the existing scanner, construction and installation is approximately US$7 million.