By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) celebrated a major milestone Thursday with the grand opening of its permanent MRI suite, a state-of-the-art facility that promises to improve access to diagnostic imaging for residents across Essex County.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the hospital, Ontario Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced $540,800 in additional annual funding to expand MRI suite hours. The funding boost increases total provincial support to $1.34 million annually, enabling the suite to extend operations from eight hours per day to 16 hours by April 2025.
“Our government is making record investments to ensure our hospital partners, like Erie Shores HealthCare, have the tools they need to deliver high-quality care close to home,” said Jones. “Today’s opening and funding announcement represent a commitment to improving access to diagnostic imaging for families in Essex County.”
The MRI suite marks a significant upgrade from the hospital’s temporary mobile unit, which was introduced in 2024. The new facility offers advanced diagnostic capabilities and increased capacity to meet growing demand.
“This is a transformative moment for Erie Shores HealthCare and our community,” said Kristin Kennedy, the hospital’s president and CEO. “Adding permanent MRI services demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, patient-centred care. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Health for supporting this vital project.”
The suite will initially operate eight hours daily, ramping up to 16 hours by April 1, 2025. The expansion aligns with ESHC’s mission to enhance healthcare access and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the region for critical services.
Local officials lauded the development as a game-changer for the community.
“This investment in Erie Shores HealthCare’s new MRI suite represents a significant advancement for our region,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington and associate minister of emergency preparedness and response. “Families will benefit from improved access to diagnostic imaging closer to home, reducing wait times and alleviating stress.”
Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, highlighted the broader impact of the investment. “The expansion of MRI services at Erie Shores HealthCare is another example of health care being provided when and where people need it. More health care closer to home is a huge benefit for our region.”
Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh, echoed these sentiments, framing the project within the province’s broader vision for healthcare modernization. “This funding reflects our government’s commitment to enhancing access and modernizing healthcare infrastructure. The new MRI suite will play a vital role in meeting the evolving needs of Essex County.”
