NEWS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD GENERAL AND MARINE HOSPITAL
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Collingwood Hospital Foundation has launched its annual Tree of Life with a fresh new campaign to raise funds for a new MRI machine for the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH). Not having immediate access to this equipment prevents the CGMH team from making timely diagnoses and providing adequate care, especially in emergency cases. The foundation hopes to inspire the community to help reach its goal of $5million.
“Access to this critical piece of diagnostic equipment here in South Georgian Bay will transform our local health system by providing better outcomes and ultimately, saving lives.” says Dr. Mark Bonta, internal medicine physician at CGMH.
Each year, over 7,000 people in South Georgian Bay will require MRI services: inpatients and emergency patients, as well as those individuals with health issues such as cancer, orthopaedic issues, stroke, and brain disorders. They are often left with no other option than to travel upwards of 90 km roundtrip to access this important diagnostic service, often navigating long waitlists and losing precious time. Residents face wait times two to three times longer than residents in other areas of the province.
Patients at CGMH are facing life-threatening conditions as they wait for an MRI scan. A local MRI machine will be of tremendous value not just for these patients, but for many others in our community who have had to endure the agony of waiting for an often life-changing diagnosis. This critical technology will allow CGMH’s healthcare teams to treat patients quicker and get them back to their healthy lives.
Patients, especially within South Georgian Bay’s aging population, will benefit from receiving the critical care and diagnoses needed, close to home. They won’t have to travel down the highway – in unpredictable weather – to receive a diagnosis many days later.
With 90 per cent of equipment and technology for CGMH funded through donations, the foundation couldn’t possibly raise the funds alone. They rely heavily on the support of those around them. “South Georgian Bay is an incredibly generous community,” says Alison Smith, director of communications, “we appreciate the various ways that people contribute. Big or small, these gifts make an impact on us all.”
To bring the best possible diagnostic imaging technology to South Georgian Bay, the foundation must raise $5 million to cover the capital costs for the MRI machine, which they hope to accomplish, by the end of this year. Please donate today at collingwoodhospital.com
Watch this short video from CGMH physicians on the importance of equipping CGMH with an MRI Machine:
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