News

Scarborough Hospital Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department

Iqra

Feb 12, 2025 • 6 min read

SHN staff train inside one of two new interventional radiology suites.

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) proudly announced the grand opening of the highly anticipated Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department yesterday, marking a significant milestone in healthcare accessibility and excellence in care in Scarborough. The department opens to patients at SHN’s General Hospital next week, a vision that has been made possible by the momentum built through the Love, Scarborough campaign.

Alicia Vandermeer, President and CEO of SHN Foundation, opened the ceremony by addressing the importance of the new facility and the role donors played. “Today, we are no longer imagining better care; we are witnessing the reality of a modern Diagnostic Imaging Department that consolidates eight specialties into one advanced location,” said Vandermeer. “Every individual in this room has played a crucial role in making this dream a reality, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”

The newly constructed facility boasts advanced technologies and new patient care areas designed to improve the experience for patients undergoing diagnostic tests. Innovations include two state-of-the-art MRI machines – including Scarborough’s first 3T MRI – an expanded breast clinic, and a dedicated Prep and Recovery Area for interventional procedures. With a focus on privacy and efficiency, the Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department will ensure that patients receive timely diagnoses and treatment in a safe, comfortable environment.

From left to right: Chris Tambakis, Co-Chair of the Love, Scarborough campaign; John & Cathy Philips, Founders and Funders of Northpine Foundation; Aatif Baskanderi, CEO of Northpine Foundation; Neel Joshi, Impact Director – Scarborough of Northpine Foundation; Nick Eaves, Co-Chair of the Love, Scarborough campaign; and Joanne Fernandes, Director of Diagnostic Imaging Services at SHN.

David Graham, President and CEO of SHN, emphasized the collective effort required to bring this project to fruition. “We are grateful to our generous supporters, including the Northpine Foundation, other donors, and government partners, who have transformed healthcare delivery for the 850,000 people relying on our services. This facility stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we join forces with our community,” Graham noted.

Dr. Steve Gazzola, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, described the exciting features of the new department, underscoring how these advancements will relieve the burden on patients who previously navigated multiple locations for their imaging needs. “Our teams are ready and eager to welcome patients into this beautiful new space starting February 18th,” Dr. Gazzola stated.

The ceremony concluded with acknowledgments of key philanthropists and community supporters, including the Northpine Foundation, whose transformational $20 million contribution in 2022 inspired further support and investment in Scarborough’s healthcare system.

“In a beautifully vibrant community with such amazing people where social determinants of health collide to make significant health concerns, Northpine was shocked to see the amount of underinvestment in the people of Scarborough,” said Aatif Baskanderi, CEO of The Northpine Foundation. “We were inspired to support the SHN because it just makes sense not only for the people of Scarborough, but a healthier Scarborough also yields greater benefits beyond it. We are so proud to witness this project become a reality and are excited to see what SHN will be able to achieve with more.”

As part of the celebration, attendees were invited to tour the new facility and see firsthand the expansive, modern spaces designed to enhance patient care.

The Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department will officially open its doors to patients on February 18, 2025, marking a new chapter in healthcare for the Scarborough community.

The Northpine Diagnostic Imaging Department was made possible thanks to these generous donors*:

*This listing includes donors who contributed $5,000 or more to Diagnostic Imaging from 2016 to today. Names in bold are transformational donors.