Peterborough adds second MRI scanner

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced that a second MRI machine has now arrived at the hospital. “Today marks a very important milestone for PRHC and for the people we serve across our community and region. Adding a second MRI machine will allow us to perform up to 5,000 additional MRI procedures each year at PRHC – this is incredible news,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, executive vice president and chief of staff, PRHC.

“Over the last four years, the demand for MRI scanning has increased by 53 per cent at PRHC. Not only will having a second MRI improve access to care closer to home for our patients, but it will also decrease wait times and offer modern, leading-edge MRI technology for our patients,” added Dr. Mikula.

The second MRI is expected to be fully up and running in March 2022.

In the fall of 2021, the provincial government announced funding to support the operation of the second MRI at PRHC.

“Residents in our community will receive better healthcare, faster, and right here in Peterborough with this second MRI machine,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Fewer people will have to travel to other cities to receive care, saving time and money while enabling patients to focus more on what really matters – wellness.

“I want to thank the incredible team at PRHC for what they continue to do each and every day for our community,” added MPP Smith.

“On behalf of the hospital’s senior leadership, Board of Directors, and the entire team at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, I would like to thank Ontario’s Minister of Health, Christine Elliott; Ontario Health and MPP Smith for the provincial funding that has helped to make this additional MRI possible,” said Dr. Peter McLaughlin (pictured), president and CEO, PRHC. “I would also like to thank the PRHC Foundation for their continued support in bringing a second MRI to PRHC.”

“The installation of another Philips Ambition 1.5T MRI system will help PRHC continue to deliver on their mission of providing the best quality of care to the people of Peterborough and its surrounding communities,” said Sharad Juneja, business marketing and sales leader, Precision Diagnosis, Philips Canada.

“Having two Ambition MRI machines in PRHC’s fleet will enhance patient care and accessibility by reducing patient wait times. In addition, PRHC is improving the clinician and patient experience with these MRI machines by optimizing workflow and offering an immersive audio-visual experience to help calm patients and guide them through MRI exams.”