The construction of the new 3,700-square-foot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facility has officially started in Huntsville.
Huntsville Hospital Foundation, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), dignitaries, and donors attended the groundbreaking ceremony on July 10.
MAHC President and CEO Cheryl Harrison said the MRI is a “needed service” in healthcare in the province.
“What we have been seeing in the province is the long waitlists. So, people sometimes are waiting months to get the MRI for whatever they need. It sometimes delays treatment,” said Harrison. “Now, people are going to get more timely diagnostics, and they’re going to be able to be diagnosed and given care when they need it.”
Huntsville Hospital Foundation chief executive officer Katherine Craine said it is “really important” to have patients able to get their treatment locally.
“It affects people from all around. All the way up to Sundridge, Novar, Burk’s Falls, Armour, all of those communities down to Gravenhurst,” added Craine.
Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said bringing MRI services to Muskoka and East Parry Sound is a “reflection of the government’s commitment” to expanding healthcare services and infrastructure in small towns and rural communities.
“I want to congratulate the many fundraisers, donors, and health leaders who have worked hard to achieve this milestone,” said Smith.
Harrison said bringing the machine to Muskoka was a “robust project.”
“It started in 2018, and then we had to apply for funding from the provincial government and for the license. So, there’s a lot of back door work that you have to do,” shared Harrison. “Then, of course, you have to fundraise. That’s why Katherine and her team are so special, and especially our donors for giving. We really want to give thanks and gratitude to them.”
Craine thanked their donors for bringing the MRI vision to reality.
“I hope you feel proud. This is the impact of your donations and a true demonstration of community support. Thank you for being a part of the journey and for choosing to support diagnostic care for patients,” added Craine.
The facility will be located behind the Emergency Department at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital (HDMH), and according to Craine, it is scheduled to be completed in spring 2025.
