Fraser Valley hospital begins $4.95M MRI upgrade to improve diagnostic access

Patients across the Fraser Valley will soon benefit from faster and more accurate diagnostic imaging as Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre undergoes a $4.95 million upgrade to its MRI unit. The project aims to enhance imaging quality and reduce wait times for residents needing critical scans.

During the construction period, a mobile MRI unit will remain on site to ensure uninterrupted service. The hospital’s existing MRI scanner, which has surpassed its expected lifespan, will be fully refurbished using its original magnet – the most energy-intensive component to produce – while new parts and software are installed around it.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said the upgrade is part of the province’s ongoing effort to modernize medical imaging services. “With approximately 8,000 MRI scans completed last year in Abbotsford alone, this investment ensures residents continue to receive timely and high-quality care,” Osborne said in a statement.

The new system, known as the Signa Artist 1.5 EVO MR30, will incorporate artificial intelligence, new coils, and advanced imaging software to deliver clearer results and shorter scan times – in some cases up to 50 per cent faster. It also features a quieter design and a larger bore to accommodate a wider range of patients.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation partnered with The Crystal Gala Foundation to raise $1 million toward the project. Foundation chair Gerri Charles said community support has been vital in bringing advanced diagnostic technology closer to home.

The refurbished MRI is expected to be operational in 2026 and will be used to detect a wide range of conditions, including cancers, neurological disorders, and soft-tissue injuries.