For those that built this community.

A Community Investment with Immediate Impact

The journey to bring MRI services to CGMH was years in the making and ambitious in scope. In 2023, the CGMH Foundation launched a $5 million fundraising campaign to support the purchase and installation of the hospital’s first MRI machine. The annual Tree of Life Campaign focused on the MRI and what was expected to take two years was achieved in just one, thanks to overwhelming community support. 

“That level of belief from the community is truly humbling,” says Jamey Gilroy, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Echocardiography at CGMH . “It also gives you a real sense of responsibility. Knowing the community is making this investment in your team and in the technology, you feel a strong duty to show up every day and deliver the best possible care.”

That trust is being repaid quickly. In just the first six months of operation, CGMH completed more than 2,200 MRI exams, keeping patients close to home and dramatically improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

“We are incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished,” says Brad Miller, Chair of the CGMH Foundation Board of Directors. “This MRI is more than just exciting new technology – it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together to support our hospital.”

Built with Patients—and Safety—in Mind

The MRI suite occupies 2,000 square feet of newly renovated space on the hospital’s lower level, a space that, like much of CGMH, has been thoughtfully repurposed over time. Designing the suite went far beyond bricks and mortar.

“This was a four-year project with a lot of moving parts,” Jamey explains. “From selecting the right machine, to designing a space that was safe for staff and patients, to training emergency responders and hospital teams, it all had to come together seamlessly.”

Patient and Family Advisors were also deeply involved in the design process, ensuring the environment supported comfort, dignity, and trust, especially during moments of vulnerability.

“You’re coming in at a time when you may be scared or unsure,” says Jamey. “Whether it’s an MRI, a mammogram, or a CT scan, that trust between patient and technologist is everything.”

A Game-Changer for Care

Having MRI services on site is reshaping clinical practice at CGMH. Physicians now have faster access to highly detailed imaging, particularly for soft tissue, brain, spine, joint, and complex diagnostic questions, without the delays and logistical challenges of sending patients out of the hospital.

“It’s a game-changer,” says Jamey. “We’re no longer coordinating transfers or waiting days or weeks for answers. We can integrate MRI into care right here, which means better, faster decision-making for our patients.”

These benefits are especially important in critical situations, where quick access to imaging can make a real difference in patient outcomes. CGMH is now meeting its targets, with emergent patients getting MRI scans within the expected timeframes.

Technology Powered by People

While the MRI machine itself is state-of-the-art, its success depends on the people behind it. Recruiting MRI technologists remains a challenge across Ontario, but CGMH has built a strong, forward-looking team.

“We’ve recruited an incredible group,” says Jamey. “We’ve also invested in our own staff. supporting one of our technologists to return to school and become MRI-licensed, and we’re welcoming students as part of our long-term recruitment strategy.”

That commitment extends beyond the hospital walls, with advocacy for students and young people to consider careers in medical imaging as CGMH prepares for Tomorrow’s Hospital.