Story 23: Arrival of the New MRI: Advancing Diagnostic Imaging
In the video, David Price, Former Director of Diagnostic and Corporate Services, discusses the growing demand for MRI services in Ottawa, driven by rapid population growth and the 1999 healthcare restructuring. He explains how these pressures contributed to increasing wait times and created an urgent need to expand diagnostic imaging services.
David also reflects medical imaging at QCH, revisiting the 2012 installation of a new MRI scanner and highlighting its lasting impact on patient care and hospital capacity.
The following details are captured from an interview with David Price and Shawn O’Rourke, former Diagnostic Imaging leadership at Queensway Carleton Hospital (March 30, 2026). The interview provides additional context on the evolution of MRI services since 2004, the regional growth of Diagnostic Imaging, and the key developments that shaped patient access and service expansion at QCH.
On May 18, 2012, a major milestone reshaped diagnostic care at Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH): the arrival of a second MRI scanner. Made possible through the Care Grows West Campaign, this addition marked a significant step forward in improving access to advanced imaging for the Ottawa community.
Hospital leadership and staff stand together in front of the MRI machine, marking a milestone in expanded diagnostic services.
Since launching MRI services in 2004, QCH has steadily expanded its Diagnostic Imaging department to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population in Ottawa’s west end. What began as a small community hospital evolved into a full-service facility, with imaging services growing to include CT scanning, ultrasound, X-ray, nuclear medicine, interventional fluoroscopy and, eventually, MRI.
Leadership and Growth
The late 1990s marked a significant shift for QCH due to regional hospital restructuring. As the hospital expanded, so did its Diagnostic Imaging capabilities, driven by both community need and dedicated leadership.
Far left: Shawn O’Rourke, Former Manager of Diagnostic Services. Right: David Price, Former Director of Diagnostic Imaging.
Meeting Growing Demand
By 2012, demand for MRI scans had increased dramatically. Even with extended hours operating 16 hours a day, seven days a week, wait times continued to rise.
The addition of a second MRI unit transformed the department’s capacity. With two scanners, teams were able to improve patient access, reduce wait times, minimize downtime during maintenance, and expand support for emergency department imaging.
A technologist assists a patient into the CT Scanner, supporting safe and comfortable imaging care.
Powered by Community Support
The Care Grows West Campaign played a vital role in making this expansion possible. It was a true team effort, with staff and radiologists actively participating in fundraising, sharing patient stories, hosting tours, and engaging with the community.
The impact was transformative. Diagnostic Imaging grew significantly, evolving into a multi-modality department with specialized services across MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, mammography, ultrasound, and X-ray.
This growth also strengthened QCH’s ability to support critical areas of care, including cancer diagnosis and women’s health, thanks in part to generous community contributions.
Looking Ahead
Today, Diagnostic Imaging at QCH continues to evolve with a focus on balancing growth with quality and sustainability. Ongoing efforts include improving patient experience, reducing report turnaround times, and supporting staff wellbeing.
As QCH celebrates its 50th anniversary, milestones like the arrival of the second MRI remind us of the power of community, innovation, and a shared commitment to patient care.