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Estevan's $6.5M MRI: Community's Big Win
31 Jul
Summary
- A $6.5 million MRI machine was funded by over 1,200 donors.
- The provincial government initially rejected the donation for the machine.
- The new MRI is expected to significantly reduce patient travel for diagnostics.
Estevan is celebrating the official opening of its new MRI unit at St. Joseph's Hospital, a project spearheaded by local businesswoman Elaine Walkom. The initiative, which raised $6.5 million in just 18 months, was fueled by contributions from over 1,200 donors, including individuals, community groups, foundations, businesses, and municipal governments.
Walkom's journey to secure the MRI began in 2023 with a $2 million donation offer to the provincial Health Ministry. Despite an initial rejection due to concerns about long-term operational feasibility, the province eventually agreed to cover operating costs if the community could raise the $6.5 million for the equipment and training. This community-wide effort dramatically reduced travel time and stress for residents, a personal mission for Walkom after her late husband Grant's cancer treatments involved frequent trips to Saskatoon for diagnostics.
The new MRI scanner, which begins operation on Friday, is the 14th in Saskatchewan. Previously, Estevan residents faced a nearly 185-kilometer journey to Regina for such scans. Approximately 1,000 individuals in the region are on the waiting list for an MRI. Hospital officials note that the Estevan unit will not only serve local needs but also alleviate pressure on the Regina facility, allowing for more acute patient scans there.
