The doors are open to the new Northpine Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Department at Scarborough Health Network (SHN). Starting today, February 18, patients are being seen in this 36,000-square-foot space that doubles the footprint of imaging services at SHN’s General Hospital, enabling more patients to be seen faster.
“We are on a mission at SHN to Build it Forward for Scarborough by bringing the infrastructure and equipment that is needed to expand health services. The new Northpine DI Department is transformational for our health network and community. It not only improves access to diagnostic imaging, but also enhances the overall journey of care for patients and families—from testing, to diagnosis, to treatment,” said David Graham, President and CEO.
The new department has been designed to allow more efficient workflows and an improved patient experience. This includes dedicated waiting rooms to accommodate the cultural and privacy concerns of our diverse community, close attention to wayfinding, larger treatment rooms that are sized for the latest equipment, and flexibility for easy expansion in the future.
In addition to the design of the new Northpine DI Department, the facility also features innovative technology, equipment, and services to be able to accurately detect diseases and injuries quickly so treatment can begin right away. The department brings eight specialized areas into one location: Interventional Radiology, General X-ray, Mammography, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine, Bone Densitometry, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
“This redevelopment is a key project in SHN’s long term goal to seamlessly accommodate our community’s evolving imaging needs,” said Joanne Fernandes, Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
“The Northpine DI Department represents an expansion in all modalities across DI, and allows our staff to serve patients with improved synergy using high quality and innovative technology.”
Some of the features of this new space include:
- Two MRIs, including the first 3-Tesla (3T) MRI in Scarborough. The 3T MRI has a magnet twice as powerful as our health network’s other machines and produces higher-quality and more detailed images so radiologists can pinpoint abnormalities accurately and efficiently. Having two MRI scanners at General Hospital also means seeing more patients and reducing wait times.
- Two new Interventional Radiology suites, allowing SHN to almost double our interventional procedures to 2,500 annually. This includes a new Prep and Recovery Area where staff can prepare patients before their procedure and monitor them during recovery—meaning better outcomes for our patients.
- An additional mammography room in our new breast clinic, which will increase our annual capacity for breast screenings from approximately 9,500 to 15,000. This new third room has a digital mammography machine with breast tomosynthesis, which detects aggressive, life-threatening cancers early so patients can begin treatment immediately.
Celebrating the grand opening with donors
This project was made possible through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Health, as well as thanks to the Love, Scarborough campaign. After many years of planning, grit, and dedication, SHN Foundation celebrated the journey to bring this new diagnostic imaging hub to Scarborough at a donor event the week before. The ceremony acknowledged key philanthropists and community supporters, including the Northpine Foundation, whose transformational $20 million contribution in 2022 inspired further support and investment in Scarborough’s healthcare system.
“We have long thought about the journey of our patients during a time of high emotional stress, when they need a life-changing diagnostic test or image-guided procedure,” said Dr. Steve Gazzola, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, who underscored how the new facility will relieve the burden on patients who previously navigated multiple locations for their imaging needs.
“Our teams are ready and eager to welcome patients into this beautiful new space.”
As services get started, most outpatient appointments for imaging at SHN’s General Hospital will take place in the Northpine DI Department, located on the basement level of the Central Wing. SHN staff will continue to keep patients, families, and community members informed about when and where to go for DI services as part of their booking and when they arrive at the hospital.
The Northpine DI Department is one of several key capital projects as SHN continues to Build it Forward for Scarborough. This includes community engagement in spring 2023 on redevelopment for a new Birchmount Hospital, and the opening of the Community Mental Health Centre in 2024. A new hybrid operating room will also be coming to General Hospital in 2025, and work is currently underway to expand access to dialysis care with a new dialysis unit at Centenary and expansion of the unit at General. Additionally, the Northpine Foundation’s donation to SHN is also dedicated to building the new Northpine Emergency Department at Centenary.
SHN recognizes and thanks the many teams who have been instrumental in the development and opening of our Northpine DI Department. Please join us in celebrating this milestone achievement, allowing us to continue to enhance the care we offer and meet the growing needs of our community.
