On Oct. 28 of 2021, then MPP Jeff Yurek called it a game-changer for the community as he announced the province has approved funding for a long-awaited MRI for St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
And this week, the hospital announced Yurek is the chair of the Transforming Tomorrow fundraising campaign to support the MRI and enhancements to the diagnostic imaging department and other services.
Joanne Beaton with the hospital foundation says it was exciting to have him accept the post.
The goal for the campaign, which will launch shortly, is $8 million.
By broadening the range of services available at the hospital, it will reduce the need for patients and families to travel elsewhere.
Beaton explains the phases involved in service enhancement.
Karen Davies, hospital president and CEO adds the MRI and the service enhancements “will help us to continue to attract and retain highly skilled medical professionals, keeping STEGH a leading provider of health care services.”
It’s an exciting time for the community, notes Yurek. This campaign will ensure more transformational care available right in St. Thomas, he adds.
The goal for the campaign, which will launch shortly, is $8 million.
Beaton tells myFM she believes the MRI will arrive at the hospital later this summer.
Once in operation, the unit – costing approximately $2.5 million – will ensure residents of St. Thomas and Elgin will no longer have to travel to hospitals in London or Woodstock for diagnostic imaging.
A related post dealing with the 2021 provincial announcement can be read here.
Written by Ian McCallum
