New PET-CT Scanner to Open at Oshawa Hospital

Durham Region will soon have its first PET-CT scanner available at Lakeridge Health's Oshawa Hospital. This development will allow residents to access diagnostic imaging services locally, eliminating the need to travel to Toronto or Ottawa. The PET-CT scanner, which combines Positron Emission Tomography with Computerized Tomography, provides detailed scans to detect cellular-level abnormalities and is crucial for cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Geoff Donsky, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging at Lakeridge Health, highlighted the reduction in travel stress for patients as a significant benefit. Ron Burke, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, noted the scanner's role in enhancing diagnostic capabilities and treatment personalization.

The acquisition of the PET-CT scanner was supported by Lakeridge Health Foundation's "Our Cancer Campaign," which raised over $21 million, with $2.17 million allocated to this project. Ontario Health - Cancer Care Ontario contributed $2.74 million. The scanner is expected to serve approximately 1,000 patients in its first year, with usage increasing over time.