Today, people in the interior of British Columbia are benefiting from increased access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams and shorter wait times with the opening of two new, state-of-the-art MRI machines and an expanded medical imaging department at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).
“With shorter wait times, enhanced privacy and improved quality of care, patients can feel more supported and confident in their health journey,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This investment will ensure that people in Kelowna have timely access to high-quality diagnostic services, leading to better health outcomes for patients and helping to save lives.”
A new, single-storey building was added to the existing KGH Medical Imaging (MI) department to accommodate a new 3T MRI scanner and 1.5T MRI replacement scanner. The technology embedded into these MRI scanners makes them quicker, while providing exceptional image quality. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) has further increased exam speed and improved workflows.
“Interior Health is delivering on its commitment to significantly improve access to MRI exams for people in our region,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health. “The new MRI machines at Kelowna General Hospital will be able to perform up to 15,000 MRI exams annually, operating 17 hours a day, seven days a week.”
With phase 1 of the KGH MI department expansion project complete, phase 2 is set to begin in early May. Phase 2 includes renovation of the existing department, removal of the existing 1.5T MRI machine and upgrades to the patient/visitor waiting room. Completion is estimated in early 2026.
“The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District is proud to support the expansion of Kelowna General Hospital's Medical Imaging department,” said Tom Dyas, Chair of the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District. "The addition of state-of-the-art MRI machines will significantly enhance the quality of health care in our community, ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses, better treatment outcomes, and improved health care for everyone in the Central Okanagan region."
"Because of the support of donors, more patients will benefit from faster, more precise imaging, leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options,” said Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation. “This kind generosity is changing lives and we are profoundly grateful to the community.”
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. These state-of-the-art units have the ability to diagnose complex conditions, such as neurological disease, certain heart diseases and some cancers. MRIs can help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, vastly improving a person’s quality of life. KGH medical imaging services are available by referral seven days a week, 17 hours a day (7 a.m. to 12 a.m.).
The estimated project cost is $37.8 million with the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District contributing $13.4 million and the KGH Foundation contributing $4.3 million.
To learn more, watch the Interior Health video here.
