With a community like ours, We have brought MR Imaging Close to Home!
- Published:
- By: Amanda Chalk
Napanee, ON, October 8, 2024– The Lennox and Addington County General Hospital Foundation (LACGH Foundation) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the newly named Bill and Kay Paul Medical Imaging Centre. This state-of-the-art facility was made possible by a landmark $1.75 million legacy gift from the estate of Bill and Kay Paul—the largest donation in the history of the LACGH Foundation. Their generosity has helped the hospital surpass its original fundraising goal, raising a total of $4.4 million.
The new Medical Imaging Centre includes the latest in MRI, Bone Density, and Mammogram technology, bringing high-quality diagnostic services to Lennox and Addington and surrounding communities.
A Legacy of Impact
The Bill and Kay Paul Medical Imaging Centre is a testament to the Paul family’s commitment to community healthcare. Their legacy gift will allow the hospital to improve patient care, reduce wait times, and provide faster access to critical imaging services.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Paul family,” said the LACGH Foundation Chair, Kelly Roantree. “Their remarkable gift will have a lasting impact on the hospital and the community, allowing us to deliver advanced medical imaging services close to home.”
Community Support Drives Success
In addition to the Paul family’s contribution, the hospital is proud to recognize significant donations from:
- The Hogeboom Family, who pledged $500,000 over five years, securing naming rights for the MRI Waiting Room.
- The Airhart Family, whose $100,000 donation provides naming rights for the Clinic Waiting Room.
- Anna and Edward C. Churchill Foundation $100,000
- County of Lennox and Addington $500,000
- John M. and Bernice Parrot Foundation $250,000
These gifts, along with contributions from many generous donors, have been instrumental in the hospital exceeding its $3.5 million campaign goal and securing $4.4 million to support this vital project.
MRI Department: Early Success and Expanding Services
Since opening five months ago, the MRI department at LACGH has been in high demand, completing 1,500 MRI exams and currently serving an average of 21 patients per day. This number is expected to rise over the next year with the introduction of contrast studies.
Most patients served have been outpatients from the region, many of whom had been waiting for over two years at other institutions. The new MRI unit has also been handling community requisitions within weeks and welcoming patients from as far as Ottawa. Perhaps the most significant impact has been on emergency and inpatient care at LACGH, with same-day or next-day MRI services eliminating the need for lengthy transports to partner institutions.
Patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One patient shared:
“I was very impressed with the MRI facility and the staff, who were very friendly, reassuring, efficient, and professional.”
A Bright Future for Healthcare in Lennox and Addington
The Bill and Kay Paul Medical Imaging Centre represents a major advancement in healthcare for the region. This modern, patient-centered facility will serve the community for years to come, offering faster and more accurate diagnostic services in a welcoming environment.
Thank you to the community and all of our supporters for making this incredible milestone possible. Your dedication has truly transformed healthcare access in our region.
