(November 14, 2008) Saskatoon – A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Suite, named after philanthropists Leslie and Irene Dubé who gave $1 million to help bring an MRI to St. Paul’s Hospital, was officially opened today in a ceremony of thanks and celebration.
The MRI machine, Saskatoon’s third and the province’s fifth, has been conducting diagnostic imaging tests since mid-September, and is already proving to be a huge asset not only to patients at St. Paul’s Hospital, but to patients from across the Health Region and the province. "The new MRI Suite has allowed us to increase our regional capacity to perform medical imaging scans on up to 80 more patients each week. The efforts that came together to make the new Suite a reality is a perfect blend of St. Paul’s Hospital and the Health Region working together to provide the best service possible to the patients and families in the communities we serve,” says Brenda FitzGerald, CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital.
Funds to purchase the MRI machine were raised through the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Embracing the Future campaign. “We are so thankful to Leslie & Irene Dubé, and to all of the donors who gave, and continue to give, so generously in support of enhanced medical imaging services at St. Paul’s Hospital,” says Barbara Berscheid, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Board member.
The MRI is one of three priorities of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation Embracing the Future campaign. The $8 million capital campaign is focussed on investing in better health for our people and in the future of health care excellence, not just in Saskatoon, but throughout Saskatchewan. Monies raised will improve services at St. Paul’s by providing state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and treatment options to serve patients from across Saskatchewan.
The Ministry of Health is covering the operational expenses for the MRI through the Saskatoon Health Region’s operating budget. The Saskatoon Health Region’s Capital Fund has also provided funds for a portion of the installation and renovation to the suite at St. Paul’s. “Congratulations to St. Paul’s Hospital, your board, Foundation, and all the partners and donors who worked so hard to bring another much-needed MRI to Saskatoon Health Region. This new MRI will make a world of difference to those who need it most by positively impacting patient wait-times and saving lives,” said Darlene Eberle, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Chair.
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