Erie Shores Healthcare Enhances MRI Services with New Suite

Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington, Ontario, has reported significant improvements in MRI wait times following the recent opening of a permanent, state-of-the-art MRI suite. This new facility commenced operations in January 2025, building on the earlier introduction of a mobile MRI unit in May 2024, which aimed to alleviate a growing backlog of cases.

The Ontario government announced an additional funding of $540,800 annually at the time of the permanent suite’s opening, enabling Erie Shores to extend its operational hours to 16 hours a day starting April 1, 2025. According to Alicia Lutz, Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, this funding has allowed the facility to significantly increase patient capacity.

“We’ve been seeing quite a few patients every month, around 500,” Lutz stated. “Since we started last year in May, we have seen over 4,700 patients, so we are estimated to get to about 5,000 by the end of October.” This increase in patient volume reflects a proactive approach to healthcare delivery in the region.

Reduction in Wait Times Benefits Community

The hospital has successfully reduced MRI wait times by at least 25%. Currently, wait times hover around the six-month mark, a significant improvement compared to the previous average of one and a half years. Lutz noted, “We’re one of four MRIs within the region that are all running, in theory, the same amount of hours, so being able to reduce that wait time from a year and a half down by a quarter is pretty significant for the community.”

Initially, the Erie Shores MRI unit prioritized patients from Windsor Regional to address lengthy wait times. Now, the facility has expanded its services to include patients from all providers in the region, with approximately six months of available booking slots remaining.

The Erie Shores MRI unit operates with a dedicated team of six staff members and benefits from a total of $1.34 million in annual funding provided by the province. This financial support is crucial for maintaining high-quality imaging services and ensuring that the growing demand for MRI scans is met efficiently.

As Erie Shores Healthcare continues to enhance its services, the community can expect continued improvements in patient care and access to essential diagnostic imaging. With the ongoing support from the provincial government and a commitment to operational excellence, Leamington residents can look forward to reduced wait times and improved healthcare outcomes.