St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan is announcing that their much-anticipated MRI project is officially moving forward. Last evening, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors approved the purchase agreements for the new MRI system and the construction project.
The hospital subsequently sent out purchase orders this morning to Siemens Healthcare Canada for the MRI system and to SDI Canada for the modular MRI Cassette room and construction project.
“Although we still have more fundraising to accomplish in order for us to reach our fundraising target of $6.5 million dollars,” said Lori Gervais, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, “we are confident that the people and communities of Southeastern Saskatchewan will continue to support this MRI project, which will bring care closer to home for our residents.”
The fundraising efforts have taken place over more than a year, with donations coming from individuals, businesses, organizations, and even rural municipalities.
The new machine will provide advanced imaging technology, enabling medical professionals to diagnose a wide range of conditions more efficiently and accurately, lowering wait times for patients and reducing travel times.
“We are thrilled to take this important step forward in bringing cutting-edge medical technology to our community,” said Candace Kopec, Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Hospital Estevan. “The new MRI machine will allow us to provide even better care for our patients and help improve health outcomes. This is a key investment in both our medical infrastructure and the well-being of those we serve.”
The construction design planning will begin for the project in May 2025, with the goal of being fully operational by May/June 2026.
The full funding is being covered by a partnership between the community and the Government of Saskatchewan, with local fundraising covering the capital costs for the MRI system and construction, while the Government of Saskatchewan will cover the ongoing operational costs to run this new MRI program.