One year later, 1,300 scans as Lakeridge Health Celebrates First Anniversary of Durham Region’s First PET-CT Scanner

November 10, 2025

News Releases

A group of eight medical staff members in white lab coats stand and smile together in front of a large Siemens Healthineers PET CT scanner. A “Happy Birthday” banner is draped across the machine, and the ceiling above glows with colorful panels showing pink blossoms against a blue sky. The group appears cheerful, celebrating in a warmly lit hospital imaging room.

Members of Lakeridge Health’s Diagnostic Imaging team gather around the PET-CT scanner to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Durham Region’s first PET-CT. Since its launch, the state-of-the-art technology has provided more than 1,300 scans, transforming access to advanced diagnostic imaging and life-saving care close to home.

(Durham Region) – November 10, 2025 – Lakeridge Health is proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the first-ever PET-CT scanner in Durham Region – a milestone that has transformed access to advanced, lifesaving diagnostic imaging for Durham Region residents.

Since welcoming its first patient on October 28, 2024, the PET-CT, or Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), has provided more than 1,300 scans, exceeding original projections by over 300. As one of only 18 PET-CT scanners in Ontario, and the only one in the Central East Region, this vital service has eliminated the need for patients to travel long distances to Toronto or Ottawa for care – ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment, closer to home.

“Having access to such an important piece of technology for my cancer care, right here close to home, has been an incredible relief and comfort,” said Kristi Percewicz, a local resident and patient with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. “I’m so grateful that others going through their own cancer journey can now have that same access.”

PET-CT technology allows for detailed, three-dimensional scans that can detect abnormal activity at the cellular level – helping physicians diagnose and monitor cancer, evaluate organ function, and identify disease with exceptional precision.

“This first anniversary marks a remarkable milestone,” said Dr. Geoff Donsky, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Director, Diagnostic Services, Lakeridge Health. “This technology has changed what’s possible for patients in Durham Region, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and truly life-changing outcomes.”

Over the past year, Lakeridge Health’s PET-CT service has grown steadily:

Wait times have dropped to an average of 18 days, with next available appointments typically within 10 days, per Ministry guidance.
Began operations at three days per week and expanded to five days per week in fall 2025.
Rotational training program for technologists, physicians, and radiologists ensured all staff gained hands-on experience with PET-CT operations.
Projected to perform over 1,900 PET-CT scans by the end of the fiscal year, reflecting strong growth and community demand.
Collaborating with the Durham Regional Cancer Centre to expand PET-CT services to support new cancer therapies, further advancing cancer care innovation in the region.

“This milestone represents what This is Lakeridge Health is all about – increasing access and connecting more people to the care they need and deserve, right here at home,” said Kirsten Burgomaster, Health System Executive, Clinical, Lakeridge Health, and Regional Vice President, Central East Regional Cancer Program (CE RCP), Ontario Health - Cancer Care Ontario. “The success of the PET-CT exemplifies our commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care every day while building a stronger, more connected health system for our community.”

In addition to transforming patient access, the PET-CT scanner has helped Lakeridge Health attract highly skilled technologists and medical imaging professionals – a major achievement amid a global shortage of qualified medical radiation technologists.

Ron Burke, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Lakeridge Health, added, “The success of this program is a testament to the dedication and exceptional effort of our technologists, physicians, and radiologists. Their skill and commitment ensure that every patient receives timely, high-quality care close to home.”

Over the coming year, Lakeridge Health will continue to expand PET-CT services, introduce new therapies, and strengthen cancer care in Durham Region – ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The PET-CT scanner was made possible through the generous support of Lakeridge Health Foundation’s Our Cancer Campaign, which raised over $21 million to enhance cancer care across Durham Region. The Foundation’s commitment of $2.17 million, combined with $2.74 million in funding from the Government of Ontario, Ontario Health - Cancer Care Ontario, was instrumental in bringing this critical piece of equipment to life.

To learn more about Lakeridge Health’s diagnostic imaging services, visit our website at www.lh.ca.

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About Lakeridge Health  

With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 30 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario. 

Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, eye care, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, Level 3 Trauma Centre designation and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens. 

Lakeridge Health is redefining the future of health care through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and groundbreaking clinical trials. With over 160 active studies, we’re at the forefront of advancing medical knowledge, expanding treatment options, and improving the lives of our patients. Our one-of-a-kind Queen's-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program is on the leading edge of training the next generation of primary care doctors. Each year, over 3,000 students and trainees are supported by the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN). Through our innovative collaboration with Ontario Tech University, we’re also harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize patient care. Together with our academic, community, and industry partners, Lakeridge Health is tackling the toughest health challenges and elevating the quality of care for the communities we serve. 

Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.

For more information contact:

Strategic Communications Media
communications@lh.ca

Lakeridge Health
905-576-8711