Riverside Health Care is setting out the timeline for the new MRI unit at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Riverside says it has ordered the unit, along with new state-of-the-art digital radiography units for La
Verendrye and Rainy River Health Centre.
“Through our team’s dedication and their advocacy, we are pleased to share that we have secured this world-class imaging technology with Siemens,” states Henry Gauthier, Riverside’s President and Chief Executive Officer, in a release.
“These advancements reflect our commitment to providing the very best to the people we serve
and mark a significant milestone in advancing care across the region.”
The upgraded radiology units at Rainy River and La Verendrye are scheduled to open next spring.
It will replace X-ray machines that are nearly 20 years old at La Verendrye and 30 years old at Rainy River.
Riverside says the new equipment will allow, for the first time, full-leg and full-spine X-rays, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) positioning tools to provide clear and accurate images.
“Upgrading and standardizing units at both facilities ensures consistent, high-quality services to all
within the Rainy River District,” states Diana Harris, Chief Nursing Executive for Riverside.
“Families and patients will have timely access to advanced digital imaging no matter what end of the district they reside in.”
Following the opening of the new radiography units, Riverside is expected to start construction of the new MRI unit.
It is expected to be operational by January 2027.
Gauthier says patients will have same-day access to MRI services and will no longer be required to travel out of town.
Riverside is also acquiring a unit that completes scans in as little as three minutes.
“Siemens has informed us that this is the most advanced MRI on the market today,” states
Gauthier.
“Its technology, speed and patient comfort features will set a new standard for care, and its
arrival will transform the way diagnostic services are delivered. For patients across the Rainy River
District, this means faster access, less travel, and the reassurance of receiving world-class imaging
services right here close to home.”
The Ministry of Health has not yet formally announced what funding Riverside is receiving for the projects.
Three million dollars was announced this summer through the Ministry of Northern Development for capital and operating expenditures.
Fundraising for the improvements also continues.
