Ontario Expanding Access to MRI Services in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

Helping People Access Diagnostic Screening Faster and Closer to Home

December 14, 2022

The Ontario government is improving people’s access to diagnostic imaging services and reducing wait times by investing over $800,000 to support the operation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines at Grey Bruce Health Services.

“It is very exciting to have this annual funding support for MRI services in Grey Bruce. This is an important expansion of healthcare in our community,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers. “For people in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, this means they will have more convenient access to diagnostic imaging and no longer need to travel far to receive an MRI scan.”

“A second MRI supports our current regional stroke program, improves wait times, and aligns with our future plans for clinical expansion and growth. Our Foundation has been ready with anticipation to receive this great news,” said Gary Sims, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services.

“Our government is ensuring hospitals across the province have the funds they need to operate their new MRI machines and increase access to diagnostic imaging for people in their communities,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “For some communities, this funding means they will have their first-ever MRI machine and residents will have more convenient access to care closer to home.”

This funding is part of the government’s investment of over $20 million to support the operations of 27 new MRI machines in hospitals across Ontario. With more MRI services throughout the province, patients can be diagnosed faster and if needed, begin treatment and follow-up care even sooner.

Quick Facts:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of organs and tissues in the body. MRIs are used to diagnose many health problems, including brain injuries, heart disease and various tumours and cancers.
  • This funding brings the total investment in operational funding for new MRI machines to $40 million, increasing the government’s 2021-22 commitment to invest $30 million by an additional $10 million to help hospitals increase MRI capacity and services. In total, the province is providing operational funding for 49 new MRI machines in 42 hospitals across the province.
  • As part of its Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery, through the Surgical Recovery Strategy, the government is adding more than 150,000 one-time additional operating hours in 2022-23 for hospital-based MRI and CT machines, ensuring better and more equitable access to diagnostic imaging services.
  • The Ontario government is investing over $300 million in 2022/23 as part of the province’s surgical recovery strategy, bringing the total investment to approximately $880 million over the last three fiscal years.

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