October 11, 2001

Contact:
James Bullbrook
City-Wide Restructuring Communications LHSC
519-685-8500, ext. 75532
james.bullbrook@lhsc.on.ca

New Magnetic Resonance Imaging Suite Opens at London Health Sciences Centre

(LONDON, Ontario) - A new, state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite was opened today at the Victoria Campus of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

LHSC President and CEO Tony Dagnone was joined by radiologist Dr. Marielle Fortier, Foundation Board Chair Peter Kryworuk and LHSC Board of Directors Chair Geoff Davies in officially opening the new suite. Also joining in the ribbon cutting was Joanie Tevlin, an MRI patient who has also donated to the project.

"London has a long and proud reputation of being a leader in MRI technology," said Mr. Dagnone. "Today is a momentous occasion."

The purchase and construction of this new MRI suite was made possible by unprecedented support from the community. Over 14,700 individuals contributed more than $2.5 million toward the cost of the project. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will fund the annual operating cost of approximately $800,000.

The new MRI will have an immediate benefit for patients at Victoria Campus, especially patients at the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario and the London Regional Cancer Centre. Prior to this opening, pediatric and cancer patients were transported 10 kilometers to the University Campus of LHSC to undergo MRI examination. Most of these patients will now be seen at the new Victoria Campus suite.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides an unparalleled view inside the human body. Three-dimensional images of almost any part of the body are obtained using radio pulses and a powerful cylindrical magnet that surrounds the patient. MRI is the method of choice for the diagnosis of many injuries and conditions because of the extraordinary level of detail it provides.