New Gamma Camera Strengthens Public Health Care in Durham
OSHAWA — A new investment in diagnostic imaging at Lakeridge Health Oshawa is set to strengthen public health care across Durham Region, with a $250,000 donation supporting the purchase of a new gamma camera — a critical tool in the early detection and monitoring of cancer and other serious illnesses.
The donation, provided over five years by Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, will help physicians diagnose and track disease in more than 6,000 patients annually, improving both access to care and patient outcomes.
“This investment is about delivering faster diagnoses and better outcomes for families across Durham Region,” said Rudy Cuzzetto, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and Mines. “By expanding access to advanced tools like gamma cameras, we are helping detect cancer and other diseases earlier, when it is most treatable.”
Advanced Diagnostics Strengthen Public Health Care
Gamma cameras are a key component of nuclear medicine, using medical isotopes to produce detailed images of organs and tissues. These images allow clinicians to detect abnormalities at earlier stages — often before symptoms appear — enabling faster treatment decisions.
For a growing region like Durham, where demand for diagnostic imaging continues to rise, the addition of this technology represents a meaningful step forward in delivering timely, high-quality care close to home.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones emphasized the importance of expanding access to advanced diagnostic tools across Ontario.
“This investment will directly support earlier detection, faster diagnoses, and better outcomes for patients across Durham Region,” said Jones. “More people will be able to start treatment sooner and receive the care they need, when and where they need it.”
Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage in Health Care Innovation
Ontario plays a global role in the production of medical isotopes — the materials that power technologies like gamma cameras. More than 50 per cent of the world’s medical isotopes are produced in Ontario’s nuclear facilities, including those at Bruce, Pickering, and Darlington.
These isotopes, such as molybdenum-99 and lutetium-177, are essential in detecting and treating cancer, positioning Ontario as a leader in both diagnostic imaging and precision medicine.
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce highlighted the broader impact of this innovation.
“Ontario’s nuclear advantage is saving lives,” said Lecce. “Made-in-Ontario medical isotopes help with early detection and prevention of cancer, supporting patients here at home and around the world.”
Meeting Growing Demand for Cancer Detection
With more than 247,000 Canadians diagnosed with cancer each year, and two in five expected to develop cancer in their lifetime, demand for advanced diagnostic tools continues to grow.
Investments like this not only improve access to care but also help reduce pressure on hospitals by enabling earlier intervention — a key priority in strengthening Ontario’s public health care system.
Yves Gadler, CEO of the Lakeridge Health Foundation, said the donation reflects the growing importance of diagnostic technology in patient care.
“By supporting this technology, Laurentis is helping us deliver exceptional patient care close to home and raise awareness about the importance of diagnostic imaging,” said Gadler.
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