Niagara Health launches Canada’s first next-generation CT scanner

Published on September 4, 2025

ct-scanner

(From left) Andrea Scott, President and CEO of Niagara Health Foundation, Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President, Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive, Janice Feather, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Shelley Law, Charge Technologist, Dr. Julian Dobranowski, Radiologist and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, and Dr. Amit Mehta, Deputy Chief Medical Imaging at Niagara Health with the first new CT scanner at Marotta Family Hospital.

Note: This story was originally published by Niagara Health. You could read the full story here.

Niagara Health (NH) has reached a major milestone in its diagnostic imaging transformation with the launch of the first next-generation CT scanner at the Marotta Family Hospital. This marks the first installation of its kind in Canada, bringing patients across Niagara access to the most advanced CT technology available.

“This is a transformative step for our Diagnostic Imaging program,” says Janice Feather, Director of Diagnostic Imaging.

“Not only does this upgrade enhance the accuracy and speed of our scans, but it also provides our staff with the tools they need to deliver the highest standard of care. It’s an investment in both people and technology.”

The new scanner provides significantly improved image quality, lower radiation doses and faster scan times, leading to more accurate diagnoses and a better patient experience. It has been used to provide care for over 2,000 patients in the month of August.

“Upgrading this technology is a major investment in the future of care for Niagara. At the same time, our teams are working carefully behind the scenes so patients continue to receive high-quality care today,” says Dr. Julian Dobranowski, Radiologist and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging.

The new fleet of CT scanners will not only benefit the patient experience, but also the work of frontline staff, providing them with the tools needed to deliver the highest standard of care.

“These new scanners make a huge difference for technologists,” says Shelley Law, Charge Technologist.

“The improved workflow and faster scan times mean we can spend less time troubleshooting older machines and more time focusing on patients. It makes our jobs easier and allows us to provide a better overall experience.”

The technology used by the new scanners is powerful and represents a step forward for patient care.

“I am proud of our partnership with Niagara Health, as it will provide innovative solutions that will enhance patient outcomes throughout the region,” says Jens Dettmann, President and CEO of Canon Medical Systems Canada.

“Canon has been pioneering world’s first technology in CT for decades. The new Aquilion ONE / INSIGHT Edition, representing our latest generation CT, will help improve workflow efficiency, increase diagnostic confidence and provide the highest standard of patient care throughout Niagara.”

With the first scanner now live, the next step in the CT Scanner Replacement Project includes launching a second scanner at the Marotta Family Hospital, followed by replacement CT scanners at the Niagara Falls Hospital and then the Welland Hospital.

“Modernizing our CT fleet is about more than upgrading technology — it’s about building a stronger, more reliable system of care for patients,” says Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President, Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive.

“Even as we reduce capacity during installation, we’re using every resource possible to make sure patients have timely access to the scans they need.”

While this historic upgrade is underway, NH is taking proactive steps to ensure patients continue to receive the care they need. With one scanner temporarily offline at certain sites during the installation phases, several measures are in place to maintain access and minimize disruption, including:

  • Mobile CT trailer support – Currently stationed at Niagara Falls Hospital and Welland Hospital during installation, the mobile CT unit provides uninterrupted service to patients across the region.
  • Collaboration with regional partners – NH is working closely with other Ontario hospitals to help manage scan volumes.
  • Partnering with community imaging providers – Partnerships with local diagnostic imaging clinics are helping ensure timely appointments for patients.
  • Flexible scheduling across sites – Patients may be offered appointments at alternative NH sites or at different times, including evenings and weekends, to reduce wait times.

The project has been made possible thanks to f the Niagara Health Foundation and the generosity of donors.

“The arrival of new CT scanners at Niagara Health will transform care across our region, providing faster, more accurate diagnostics for patients and families when they need it most. These advancements are made possible because of the generosity of our donors, who continue to step up and invest in the future of healthcare here at home,” said Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation.

“On behalf of the Foundation, we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support, which ensures that our hospitals have access to the very best technology to serve Niagara for years to come.”

Niagara Health thanks patients, families, referring providers and the community for their patience and understanding during this important upgrade.

—-
Note: This story was originally published by Niagara Health. You could read the full story here.

Niagara Health launches Canada’s first next-generation CT scanner

Published on September 4, 2025

Note: This story was originally published by Niagara Health. You could read the full story here.

Niagara Health (NH) has reached a major milestone in its diagnostic imaging transformation with the launch of the first next-generation CT scanner at the Marotta Family Hospital. This marks the first installation of its kind in Canada, bringing patients across Niagara access to the most advanced CT technology available.

“This is a transformative step for our Diagnostic Imaging program,” says Janice Feather, Director of Diagnostic Imaging.

“Not only does this upgrade enhance the accuracy and speed of our scans, but it also provides our staff with the tools they need to deliver the highest standard of care. It’s an investment in both people and technology.”

The new scanner provides significantly improved image quality, lower radiation doses and faster scan times, leading to more accurate diagnoses and a better patient experience. It has been used to provide care for over 2,000 patients in the month of August.

“Upgrading this technology is a major investment in the future of care for Niagara. At the same time, our teams are working carefully behind the scenes so patients continue to receive high-quality care today,” says Dr. Julian Dobranowski, Radiologist and Chief of Diagnostic Imaging.

The new fleet of CT scanners will not only benefit the patient experience, but also the work of frontline staff, providing them with the tools needed to deliver the highest standard of care.

“These new scanners make a huge difference for technologists,” says Shelley Law, Charge Technologist.

“The improved workflow and faster scan times mean we can spend less time troubleshooting older machines and more time focusing on patients. It makes our jobs easier and allows us to provide a better overall experience.”

The technology used by the new scanners is powerful and represents a step forward for patient care.

“I am proud of our partnership with Niagara Health, as it will provide innovative solutions that will enhance patient outcomes throughout the region,” says Jens Dettmann, President and CEO of Canon Medical Systems Canada.

“Canon has been pioneering world’s first technology in CT for decades. The new Aquilion ONE / INSIGHT Edition, representing our latest generation CT, will help improve workflow efficiency, increase diagnostic confidence and provide the highest standard of patient care throughout Niagara.”

With the first scanner now live, the next step in the CT Scanner Replacement Project includes launching a second scanner at the Marotta Family Hospital, followed by replacement CT scanners at the Niagara Falls Hospital and then the Welland Hospital.

“Modernizing our CT fleet is about more than upgrading technology — it’s about building a stronger, more reliable system of care for patients,” says Simon Akinsulie, Executive Vice-President, Practice, Clinical Support and Chief Nursing Executive.

“Even as we reduce capacity during installation, we’re using every resource possible to make sure patients have timely access to the scans they need.”

While this historic upgrade is underway, NH is taking proactive steps to ensure patients continue to receive the care they need. With one scanner temporarily offline at certain sites during the installation phases, several measures are in place to maintain access and minimize disruption, including:

  • Mobile CT trailer support – Currently stationed at Niagara Falls Hospital and Welland Hospital during installation, the mobile CT unit provides uninterrupted service to patients across the region.
  • Collaboration with regional partners – NH is working closely with other Ontario hospitals to help manage scan volumes.
  • Partnering with community imaging providers – Partnerships with local diagnostic imaging clinics are helping ensure timely appointments for patients.
  • Flexible scheduling across sites – Patients may be offered appointments at alternative NH sites or at different times, including evenings and weekends, to reduce wait times.

The project has been made possible thanks to f the Niagara Health Foundation and the generosity of donors.

“The arrival of new CT scanners at Niagara Health will transform care across our region, providing faster, more accurate diagnostics for patients and families when they need it most. These advancements are made possible because of the generosity of our donors, who continue to step up and invest in the future of healthcare here at home,” said Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation.

“On behalf of the Foundation, we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support, which ensures that our hospitals have access to the very best technology to serve Niagara for years to come.”

Niagara Health thanks patients, families, referring providers and the community for their patience and understanding during this important upgrade.

—-
Note: This story was originally published by Niagara Health. You could read the full story here.