Guelph General Hospital (GGH) in Canada has received C$300,000 ($215,687) of funding over five years from electricity utility and distributor Alectra to establish a new community-based medical centre, including a diagnostic imaging centre.

This initiative is set to improve women's health services for Guelph and Wellington County residents.

The GGH will concentrate on diagnostics, preventative screening, and intervention, becoming a space for women's health imaging, encompassing breast and bone density imaging.

Alectra's contribution will fund the purchase of a second mammography machine, increasing the hospital's breast cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment support capacity.

The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital CEO Julie Byczynski said: “In this initial phase of the centre, the additional mammogram capacity of Guelph General is a huge win for women’s health locally. Increasing access and early screening will save lives.”

The facility's community-based location, with accessible parking and transit, aims to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing vital screening services.

Alectra president and CEO Brian Bentz said: "This new community-based diagnostic imaging centre will significantly enhance access to preventative care, ensuring more women in the region benefit from early detection services that are crucial for saving lives."

GGH's new facility will alleviate the strain on neighbouring hospitals and help to meet the rising need, which has been accentuated by Ontario's recent lowering of the breast cancer screening age to 40.

The centre will offer a range of care, from screening to surgery.

Since 2021, Alectra has been supporting the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital through its AlectraCARES Community Support Program. This includes prior support for the Medical Device Reprocessing Department.

Last month, the Ontario provincial government began the phased expansion of the emergency department at GGH, further enhancing the facility's services.