St. Thomas hospital getting its first MRI machine

ST. THOMAS, Ont. – The Ontario government is taking a step to address wait times for diagnostic imaging by investing in a new MRI machine at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH). This new MRI machine will help ensure that people in St. Thomas and Elgin County can receive the high quality care and DI they need when they need it.

“I am thrilled that our renowned local hospital will finally be able to have this technology onsite,” said Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Jeff Yurek. “This new investment brings MRI services home to our community, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need without travel or delay.”

Over the last 10 years, the demand for MRI services has increased on average by approximately four per cent annually and wait times have worsened with 54 per cent of cases completed within target wait times in 2013/14 to 39 per cent of cases completed within target in 2019/2020.

“On behalf of St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, I’d like to thank the Honourable Jeff Yurek and the Government of Ontario for this significant investment in the future of healthcare for residents of St. Thomas and Elgin County,” said Karen Davies (pictured), president and CEO at STEGH. “The MRI will ensure that our patients have access to advanced testing to diagnose disease and injury, reducing the need for patients to travel outside of the community.”

This new investment brings MRI services to St. Thomas-Elgin, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need closer to home. It is part of the government’s $30 million investment in the 2021 budget to support MRI services for patients and add new MRI machines to hospitals across the province.

The St. Thomas hospital was designated a stroke centre five years ago, and a neurological team was recruited from other parts of Ontario. But until now, Yurek said, the hospital and its staff weren’t equipped with the needed technology to scan and identify strokes.

“I think they’re overjoyed,” Yurek said of the medical team that will use the machine, calling it “game-changing news” for the area.