The long-awaited PET/CT scanner at Health Sciences North is now assembled and the hospital is aiming for the machine to be fully operational by the fall.
The machine is used to diagnose and stage treatment for diseases such as cancer and cardiac illness.
The first patients are being medically prioritized in partnership with Cancer Care Ontario through the hospital’s Nuclear Medicine department.
The hospital is planning a grand opening this fall when the new equipment is up and running.
Several area groups including Teal for Toes in Espanola contributed to the cost of the $3.8-million scanner.
The Liberal government provided $4.6 million to build the suite and the province has also pledged $1.6 million in operational funding.