AMGH signs MRI Agreement, bringing technology closer to Huron County
By: Kate Smith
The Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) Foundation’s Magnetic Moments campaign is one step closer to bringing important diagnostic technology to the area for the first in Huron County.
Last week, AMGH officially signed the purchase agreement with Siemens Healthineers Canada for the MRI machine.
“This is a significant investment in the future of our hospital and the care we provide,” said Jimmy Trieu, President & CEO of Huron Health System.
“It will help us attract and retain healthcare professionals, and, most importantly, mean more patients can receive the care they need closer to home.”
According to AMGH, the machine selected is a 1.5T MAGNETOM Flor Elite MRI system that features advanced technology designed to enhance the experience for patients, staff and physicians.
What does that mean for patients? It means there will be an MRI machine that helps them get comfortable and prepared for their scan, while the machine is designed for quieter operation.
For staff, having a machine of this quality makes the process more efficient. Many of the steps involved in setting up and completing a scan can be done right at the patient’s side, giving technologists more time to focus on the patient in front of them.
The purchase of this MRI machine follows months of planning to determine the correct technology and understand the space, workflow and operational requirements needed to bring these services to AMGH.
“We are incredibly grateful to members of the AMGH Foundation for their hard work in leading this campaign, and to everyone who has supported it and helped make this possible,” remarked Trieu.
“We look forward to working with the team at Siemens Healthineers Canada as we take this exciting next step toward bringing this incredible technology to Huron County.”
With built-in technology and AI the MRI machine will help guide staff through scans and automate some of the routine steps, helping produce clear, detailed images more quickly and consistently.
According to AMGH, the system will use very little helium compared with traditional MRI machine. This will be one of the first machines of its kind in Ontario to use a helium independent system, and it will be right here in Goderich.
In the campaign process, the hospital also worked closely with Mohawk Medbuy Corporation throughout the procurement process, drawing on its healthcare procurement expertise to evaluate the available options and support the purchase. The next phase will focus on issuing the RFP for construction with the goal of breaking ground in the fall of 2027.
“Working alongside the AMGH team throughout this process, we have seen firsthand the commitment and vision behind this project,” said Richard Newman, Director of Sales, Central Region, Siemens Healthineers Canada.
“Selecting the right MRI solution is about more than technology; it is about creating a sustainable service that will meet the needs of patients and healthcare professionals for years to come. We look forward to continuing our partnership as this transformative project comes to life.”
The Magnetic Moments Campaign has now reached $5.8 million, bringing the campaign very close to its original $6.5 million goal.
As the campaign reaches this important milestone, fundraising efforts will continue to build on this momentum and strengthen the financial foundation for the project.
As for Siemens Healthineers Canada, the company is proud to partner with AMGH on this important investment for the region.
“The MAGNETOM Flow Elite will help expand access to high-quality diagnostic imaging, bringing patients closer to the care they need, right in their community,” said René Boyer, Country Head, Diagnostic Imaging & Advanced Therapies, Siemens Healthineers Canada.
While the MRI purchase has been secured, there are still important phases of the project ahead, according to the AMGH Foundation. Construction costs, tariffs, fuel costs and other project expenses can change as planning progresses.
The Foundation says that continued fundraising will help provide a financial buffer for unforeseen costs and ensure the project is well positioned as it moves forward.
“Rural populations in Canada deserve the same access to care as urban populations do and this is what bringing the latest medical imaging technology to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital is all about,” says Dr. Tiffaney Kittmer, chair of the Magnetic Moments campaign.
"We want to give huge thanks to the community for their enthusiastic support to ensure that easier, faster access to state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging is within reach.”
To support the Magnetic Moments campaign or to find out more about the MRI machine visit www.magneticmoments.amghfoundation.ca
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