February 5, 2024 – Updated
Cambridge, Ontario – Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation (CMHF) received a remarkable boost to their fundraising efforts to acquire a new MRI at Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH). A generous $1 Million gift from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation’s Healthcare Grant has propelled the Hospital Foundation’s Spotlight MRI campaign to almost 90% ($4.4M) of their $5 Million goal.
The funds are needed to replace the Hospital’s current 12-year-old MRI machine with a new one and cover costs to prepare the unique space that will house the new MRI within the newly opened Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Department. This work is anticipated to be complete by mid-2025 with delivery and installation of a new MRI anticipated by that year’s end.
“We are most appreciative of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation’s investment and for recognizing the importance of having the best and most up-to-date technology to serve our community. The MRI is essential to patient assessments, diagnosis, and treatments,” said Dr. Winnie Lee, CMH’s Chief of Staff and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging. “Last year, we performed over 11,000 MRIs. You can imagine how excited we are knowing a new state-of-the-art MRI is arriving next year so we can continue to provide advanced diagnostic imaging to our community.”
Community dollars fund 100% of the equipment and technology at CMH for both new and replacement equipment. This was the case in 2012 when CMH’s first MRI was acquired from community fundraising, including major support from the Hallman Foundation at that time. The MRI acquisition was the catalyst for the expansion and maturation of CMH’s DI Program. Today, it has grown to 90 staff, including radiologists, technologists, and sonographers who provide expertise in multiple imaging modalities including radiology, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, mammography, bone mineral densitometry (BMD), nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that support outpatient, inpatient and emergency patient needs.
“We’re pleased to support Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s efforts to bring a new MRI to serve the needs of Cambridge residents,” said Rob Donelson, Interim Executive Director of the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. “It was clear to the Granting Committee members how important a new MRI is to allow them to continue to provide modern diagnostic services for patient care. Diagnostics are fundamental for delivering healthcare and from what we’ve seen, CMH should be proud of how their program and expertise has expanded over the years and how a new MRI will complement them.”
Patrick Gaskin, CMH President and CEO, shared the benefits that a new MRI will provide to the community. “We just opened a new, expanded Diagnostic Imaging Department last summer to help us meet the growing needs of our City and Townships. We sincerely appreciate the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation’s generous investment for keeping vital MRI services close to home while maintaining our strong diagnostic capabilities.”
It is the work of the Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation to raise funds for hospital equipment and seek support from donors, like the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation, to help provide best-in-class care. “We are grateful for this remarkable investment toward CMH’s new MRI, and for our partnership with the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation. Our long-standing relationship strengthens local healthcare for all of us” said Lisa Short, Executive Director, Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Read other articles about Lyle S. Hallman’s support of CMHF:
Introducing Ember, the first NSD Certified Facility Dog dedicated to a Canadian Hospital
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation
CMH Foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring our Hospital has the equipment it needs to provide the best healthcare imaginable, close to home. Our mission is to inspire and engage individuals and businesses in our Community. The technology and equipment required to provide that care is 100% funded by donations. Presently we are raising $5 Million to purchase a new MRI with the latest technology to continue to provide the outstanding care our Community has come to expect. Learn about Spotlight MRI.
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital offering a full complement of services including surgery, maternity, laboratory, diagnostics and emergency. It employs over 1,500 dedicated and skilled healthcare professionals, technicians and staff, 250 physicians, and 200 volunteers providing exceptional care to the residents of Cambridge, the Township of North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo. For more information, visit www.cmh.org
About the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation
The Lyle S. Hallman Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations in Waterloo Region that support health, education and children’s initiatives that inspire and grow individual and community potential. www.lshallmanfdn.org
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For media inquiries contact:
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation
Lori Muzak-McComb, Senior Director of Development
519-621-2333, ext. 2421
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Stephan Beckhoff, Manager, Communications
519-621-2333, ext. 2427
Lyle S. Hallman Foundation
Rob Donelson, Interim Executive Director
226-753-6824 (M)