By Sandra Hanson
The long-awaited permanent MRI machine, ‘driven by extraordinary community fundraising efforts,’ is serving Upper River Valley Hospital patients after an official opening on Thursday, Feb. 19. The acquisition and installation of the 1.5-Tesla Siemens Healthineers MRI system was led by the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation.
Andy Lenehan, Co-Chair of the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation, credited the Department of Health and Horizon leadership for the project’s success, noting they were “unwavering in their commitment to maximize the benefit of the new MRI” by ensuring human resource, training, and infrastructure needs were met.
“Our board members were genuinely overwhelmed and humbled by the levels of support provided towards the MRI acquisition,” said Lenehan. “This incredible addition will impact so many family members, friends, and neighbours for many, many years.”
John Dornan, Minister of Health, called the new MRI machine “a game change for diagnostics in this area.” He noted a proper diagnosis often depends on an MRI scan, and having another permanent machine is “a step forward in our shared commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality health care to New Brunswickers.”
Jeff Carter, Vice President of Quality, Patient Experience, and Professional Services for Horizon Health, noted the challenges the Upper River Valley previously faced in accessing diagnostic MRI services.
“For the past 16 years, the hospital shared a portable MRI unit with Vitalité’s Campbellton Regional Hospital – that will be no more.” Carter acknowledged sharing the previous machine meant “limited availability, scheduling challenges, and patients waiting longer than they should for the imaging they needed.”
Beyond doubling their MRI scan capacity, which will mean “faster access and fewer disruptions to care,” Carter said the new machine will also offer enhanced scanning capability.
“In the past, patients who needed specialized MRI scans, including those with pacemakers, had to travel to Fredericton or somewhere else,” said Carter. “Now, they can receive those scans here, close to home.”
Carter said the machine will provide specialized breast and prostate scans, enhancing cancer screening.
The unit is housed in a prefab, modular facility. Carter explained purchasing the customized building was chosen over on-site construction to allow “expeditated installation” of the MRI unit, ensuring they could serve patients faster. The 110,000-pound building was delivered by a super-load transport truck from Quebec in November.
Carter thanked the Upper River Valley Hospital Foundation for their “extraordinary leadership”, the Government of New Brunswick, as well as donors, volunteers, community members, physicians, and staff.
“Thank you all for your commitment to this project. We’re finally here.”
