Durham Region) – NOVEMBER 1, 2024 – Durham Region’s first-ever PET-CT scanner will soon open for patients at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa Hospital. This means Durham Region residents will no longer have to commute to Toronto or Ottawa, Ontario for access to lifesaving, diagnostic imaging services as it will soon be available close to home.
PET-CT, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Computerized Tomography (CT), allows for detailed, three-dimensional scans that can easily detect unusual or abnormal activity happening at the cellular level. PET-CT scans are a vital tool in diagnosing cancer and may also be used to evaluate the function of organs, such as the brain or heart, and other tissues for the presence of disease or other conditions. Currently there are 16 PET-CT machines across Ontario.
“We’re so excited to bring this new service to our Durham Region communities,” said Dr. Geoff Donsky, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Director, Diagnostic Services, Lakeridge Health. “For years, patients have had to endure long, stressful trips outside of the region to either Ottawa or Toronto for PET-CT scans. This inconvenience not only raises anxiety, but also disrupts patients’ familiarity with their local health-care facilities. We’re thrilled that soon, with the new PET-CT scanning services available in Durham Region, those challenges will be a thing of the past making this critical diagnostic imaging care more convenient and accessible.”
“The arrival of our new PET-CT scanner represents not just a significant technological advancement, but also our unwavering commitment to providing the highest standard of care for our patients,” said Ron Burke, Director Diagnostic Imaging, Lakeridge Health. “This cutting-edge equipment will enhance our diagnostic capabilities, enabling us to detect conditions earlier and tailor treatments more effectively.”
“We are deeply thankful for the incredible support from our partners at Ontario Health - Cancer Care Ontario and Ontario Health East,” said Kirsten Burgomaster, Health System Executive at Lakeridge Health and Regional Vice President of the Central East Regional Cancer Program (CE RCP). “The arrival of the new PET-CT scanner in Durham Region is a game changer. Not only will it elevate the quality of cancer care diagnostics and services within the Central East region, but also it stands as a powerful symbol of confidence in the exceptional care provided at Lakeridge Health and across the CE RCP, including the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre. We are so proud of our dedicated teams who tirelessly deliver compassionate high-quality care care to our patients every day. Together, we are making a difference.”
The PET-CT has been supported through Lakeridge Health’s Foundation’s Our Cancer Campaign which raised over $21 million to enhance cancer care in Durham Region. Lakeridge Health Foundation’s commitment of $2.17 million, coupled with $2.74 million from the Government of Ontario, Ontario Health, and Cancer Care Ontario for the purchase of the PET-CT was instrumental in making this critical piece of equipment a reality.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to all who contributed to this vital project,” said Yves Gadler, CEO, Lakeridge Health Foundation. “Bringing PET-CT to Lakeridge Health was one of the major innovations made possible by generous donors to Our Cancer Campaign and represents our community’s dedication to advancing cancer services and ensuring exceptional health care is available close to home.”
"I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors and government partners for their instrumental support that has made Durham Region’s first PET-CT scanner a reality,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “Your support is a testament to your belief in our shared mission to Empower People to Live their Best Health. I also want to thank our leadership team for their tireless dedication to advancing health-care services. This state-of-the-art technology will make a profound difference in countless lives and will help us to build on our vision of One System. Best Health, creating a strong, integrated system of care for generations to come.”
It is anticipated that the PET-CT scanner will support 1,000 patients in its first year, with volumes of scans increasing gradually after the launch of the new technology.
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About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of more than 8,700 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
For more information contact:
Sharon Navarro
Manager, Public Relations
Lakeridge Health
905-453-7889
snavarro@lh.ca
