Magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) machine (Photo 42704607 © Zlikovec | Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

$30.7M project

New MRI machine for hospital

Apr 20, 2023 | 9:50 AM

Kelowna General Hospital will be able to provide double the current number of medical imaging tests once new equipment has been installed.

KGH will see the addition of a new 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and the replacement of an existing 1.5T MRI machine.

Construction is anticipated to begin this summer with completion in 2025.

The machines bring new capacity to the region, increasing the number of MRI scans done at KGH from approximately 7,000 to 15,000 per year. It will also reduce the length of the scan, meaning shorter turnaround between patients, as well as higher-quality images. The state-of-the-art units have the ability to diagnose complex conditions, such as neurological disease, certain heart diseases and prostate cancer.

“The addition of the new MRI and replacement of the existing MRI at Kelowna General Hospital means shorter wait times and better treatment plans for people in Kelowna and surrounding communities,” Health Minister Adrian Dix said.

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MRI machines are used to diagnose medical conditions, such as abnormalities of the brain, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body. The units can help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, vastly improving a person’s quality of life.

The project cost is $30.7 million. The KGH Foundation is contributing $5 million, the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District is contributing $10.3 million and the Province of British Columbia, through Interior Health, is contributing $15.4 million.

“We are grateful that the ministry has approved enhanced MRI capacity at Kelowna General Hospital,” said Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation. “It is important to provide advanced diagnostics closer to home for those in need in our communities. Fundraising for MRI is part of a larger fundraising commitment that the foundation announced earlier this month.”

After a competitive bidding process, Interior Health has awarded the construction management services contract to Bird Construction Group. There will be no planned disruption in services during construction.