Siemens Technology to Strengthen Diagnostic Imaging at Riverside Health Care
September 24, 2025
Riverside Health Care has secured a
contract with Siemens Healthineers to introduce leading-edge diagnostic imaging
technology to the Rainy River District, marking a transformative step forward
for local healthcare. The agreement includes new state-of-the-art digital
radiography units for La Verendrye General Hospital (LVGH) in Fort Frances and
the Rainy River Health Centre, as well as the district’s first MRI.
“Through our team’s dedication and
their advocacy, we are pleased to share that we have secured this world-class
imaging technology with Siemens,” said Henry Gauthier, Riverside’s President
& CEO. “These advancements reflect our commitment to providing the very
best to the people we serve and mark a significant milestone in advancing care
across the region. Same day access to MRI services within our district and
during daytime hours will provide for a significant improvement in access to
care. No longer will individuals be required to access MRI services at 3am
200–500km from home, depending on where you live in the district.”
Enhanced X-ray Services
Upgraded diagnostic imaging units
will replace aging X-ray machines, which are nearly 20 years old at LVGH and
almost 30 years old at the Rainy River Health Centre. For the first time,
Riverside patients will also have access to full-leg and full-spine X-rays,
providing clear, accurate, low-dose images for conditions such as scoliosis and
limb length differences. This innovative technology also uses artificial
intelligence (AI) positioning tools to optimize image quality, features a
floating tabletop to improve comfort for all patients, including those with
mobility challenges, and provides safer imaging with 30–80% lower radiation
doses compared to older X-ray technology.
“Upgrading and standardizing units
at both facilities ensures consistent, high-quality services to all within the
Rainy River District,” shared Diana Harris, Chief Nursing Executive for
Riverside. “It’s an investment in patient care and in the strength of our
communities. Families and patients will have timely access to advanced digital
imaging no matter what end of the district they reside in.”
“Our staff are also excited for the
possibilities this technology brings,” added Andrea Faragher, Riverside’s
Director of Diagnostic Services. “From lowering radiation exposure to
introducing advanced tools like Smart Virtual Ortho and AI-driven positioning,
these units give our teams the ability to deliver the highest quality imaging
with greater ease and efficiency.”
District’s First MRI
In a significant step forward in
advancing care, Riverside is bringing the district its first MRI. The acquired Siemens MRI unit will
feature BioMatrix Technology, which automatically adapts to each patient’s
unique body type, shape, and physiology, ensuring consistent, high-quality
imaging while reducing the need for repeat scans. Its larger open bore (tunnel
opening) provides greater comfort, particularly for patients who may experience
anxiety or claustrophobia, and allows easier positioning for those with
mobility challenges. Faster imaging speeds mean scans that once took 20-30
minutes for a brain or 20 minutes for a knee can now be completed in as little
as 3 minutes. This efficiency means more patients can be scanned each day,
reducing wait times, improving access to care, and making the overall
experience significantly more comfortable.
“Siemens has informed us that this
is the most advanced MRI on the market today,” shared Henry Gauthier. “Its
technology, speed, and patient comfort features will set a new standard for
care, and its arrival will transform the way diagnostic services are delivered.
For patients across the Rainy River District, this means faster access, less
travel, and the reassurance of receiving world-class imaging services right
here close to home.”
These transformational investments
at both Rainy River Health Centre and La Verendrye General Hospital are being
made possible primarily through the generosity of our community and their
support of the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS campaign. Their contributions
are directly driving these advancements in care, ensuring patients across the
district will benefit for years to come.
“We are so grateful for the
generosity of our community,” stated Holly Kaemingh, Director of Fundraising at
Riverside. “Being able to share the exciting news that this equipment has now
been officially ordered is an important step in our campaign, as it highlights
the very technology at the heart of our fundraising goal. It’s incredibly
exciting to tell the community about the tangible impact their donations are
making.”
With all the new diagnostic imaging
technology now officially ordered, Riverside is excited to share the next
steps. The upgraded radiology units at Rainy River Health Centre and La
Verendrye General Hospital are scheduled to open in early spring 2026, while
construction of the MRI suite at LVGH will begin shortly after, with an
anticipated opening in January 2027. This will usher in the New Year with a new
era of advanced diagnostic imaging for the entire region.
Media Reference: Kathryn Pierroz - Communications
Coordinator, Riverside Health Care, 807-274-3261 ext. 4525
Key highlights:
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New digital radiography units for La Verendrye General Hospital and Rainy River Health Centre
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First MRI in the district, a milestone in local health care access
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Expanded imaging capabilities, including the ability to perform spine X-rays locally
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Larger-bore MRI with faster scan times, allowing for greater patient comfort and the ability to complete more tests per day
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Advanced imaging technology with AI-enabled features for improved diagnostics
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Lower radiation doses and greater patient comfort with faster, more efficient scans
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Made possible through staff dedication and the generous support of our communities via the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS campaign