ESTEVAN — The ongoing fundraising campaign for a new MRI machine at St. Joseph's Hospital in Estevan continues to gain traction, according to an update provided by Lori Gervais, executive director of the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, and Candace Kopeck, executive director of St. Joseph's Hospital, during the Estevan Chamber of Commerce's Coffee Talk on Oct. 2.
Gervais highlighted significant milestones in the campaign and provided insight into the logistics of acquiring the much-needed MRI machine.
"We've raised just shy of $4.2 million," she stated, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming community support. "Our goal is $6.5 million, and we're making significant progress."
One of the key updates was the status of the request for proposal (RFP), which has been sent out to multiple vendors globally.
"The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) included us in their RFP process," Gervais explained, which allowed Estevan to benefit from the bulk purchasing process. "This is a worldwide search. It could be Germany, the U.S., or elsewhere. We're looking at all the options," she said.
The RFP responses are currently under review, and a vendor will soon be selected.
Once the vendor is chosen, the next step will involve a site assessment. The proposed location for the MRI is an area behind the hospital's ambulance bay, part of the existing diagnostic centre.
"It's not just a matter of where we want to put it. The MRI machine is a huge magnet, so the site needs to be carefully evaluated to ensure it's suitable," Gervais explained.
The campaign has received a wide range of donations, from individual contributions to corporate sponsorships. Gervais emphasized the importance of all contributions, large or small.
"Whether it's $25 or $2 million, every donation plays a vital role in helping us achieve our goal," she said.
The largest contribution, a $2 million donation through Elaine Walkom's generosity, started the campaign and has inspired many others to contribute.
The foundation has worked diligently to engage not only the local Estevan community but also the broader southeast Saskatchewan region. Gervais noted that she has reached out to rural municipalities (RMs) to further rally support.
"We've had tremendous backing from the RMs. I've still got seven more to reach out to, but the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive," she said.
Upcoming events, such as the 12th annual Festival of Trees on Nov. 16-17, will also be crucial to the campaign's success.
"The Festival of Trees has always been a major fundraiser for us, and this year, all proceeds will go toward the MRI project," Gervais said, inviting local businesses to get involved as sponsors or participants.
While the fundraising effort is ongoing, the foundation is optimistic about meeting its goal and having the MRI machine operational by the end of 2025. Gervais stressed that the campaign is designed to progress in stages, allowing the hospital to start the project even before all the funds are raised.
"People often ask if we need all the money in place before starting, but that's not the case. We're able to put down payments along the way," she reassured.
The next steps involve selecting a vendor, conducting a site assessment and making the first down payment for the machine. Gervais estimated that the MRI could be ordered within the next few months, once the vendor is chosen and assessments are complete.
"We're hoping to have everything up and running by the end of next year," she said.
In addition to fundraising and equipment procurement, staffing has been a significant focus for St. Joseph's Hospital. Gervais said Kopec addressed concerns raised during the Coffee Talk about whether the hospital would have the necessary staff to operate the MRI.
"Part of the initial costs of this project are bursaries and incentives for staff," Gervais explained, noting that there are resources to help existing specialists acquire needed knowledge and credentials.
The hospital has already advertised positions and received some interest, a positive sign for the future.
"We're not fully staffed yet, but we have a number of people who have shown interest in undergoing the necessary training to operate the MRI," Gervais added.
Training and staffing will remain key priorities as the project moves forward.
Gervais closed by emphasizing the importance of community support in achieving this goal.
"Estevan and the surrounding areas have always been incredibly generous," she said.
“We are having people come up with some creative and generous fundraising ideas, from Jaycee Ross and his family celebrating his graduation and donating that steer, to 4-H groups and other kids … bringing these philanthropic ideas and giving back to their community at such a young age.
“The hundreds of donations that we've gotten, 70 per cent of them are less than $500. So, I want people to realize how crucial and important all of it is, all of it to helping us achieve the goal, and it enhances the quality of health care for everybody.
“We are very thankful for everyone's support.”
To learn more or donate, go to the foundation's website at sjhf.org/mriforestevan.
