NORTH BAY, Ont. – The North Bay Regional Hospital has unveiled a new CT scanner, and another one could be on the way soon. The new machine was made possible by a $1 million donation from the Terry McKerrow CAT Scan Operating Fund.

“The generosity from the Terry McKerrow fund goes back 25 years and what an astounding gift they just gave to the hospital,” said Paul Heinrich (pictured), president, and CEO of the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

The machine is expected to take over for the current aging CT scanner, which officials believe is close to the end of its operating life.

“The main things it brings to our hospital is reduced dose and better image quality,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hodge, radiologist at the Regional Health Centre.

Dr. Hodge is also optimistic the new machine will help the department get closer to the provincial target wait times.

Heinrich said that as soon as a second CT Scan license is acquired, another new machine will be moved into the current location of the old scanner.

The hospital CEO expects the new machine to be in operation soon but cannot give a timetable as to when a second machine could be in place.

The hospital also launched its Cancer Care, Close to Home Capital Campaign, which is aimed at raising $6 million. The hospital will be contributing a further $1.4 million towards the campaign.

The two new CT scanners are pegged at $2 million, lab equipment at $1.85 million, surgical and endoscopy equipment $2.8 million, telemedicine equipment $350,000 and $400,000 for palliative care equipment.