Gander gains edge with new MRI machine

A competition between two central Newfoundland towns has ended, with Gander being chosen as the site of the province's latest signature piece of diagnostic equipment.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government announced Monday it will locate a $3-million magnetic resonance imaging machine at James Paton Memorial hospital in Gander.

Residents of Grand Falls-Windsor, about 100 kilometres away, had been campaigning for the MRI machine, which will also involve millions in spending for support services and construction. Each townsis home to a significant regional hospital serving neighbouring rural areas.

The decision was guided by an independent consultant.

Government announced more than a year ago that it would locate the fourth MRI unit in the province in central Newfoundland, but had not until now picked a location.

Gander Deputy Mayor Zane Tucker hopes the decision will end any animosity between the two towns.

"I think there may be a little bit of disappointment [there]," Tucker said.

"I think that's naturally to be understood when you don't get a service in your community but hopefully they'll recognize the value of having the service only an hour's drive away."

Grand Falls-Windsor Mayor Rex Barnes said he is just pleased that the long process is over.

"Of course we are disappointed," he said.

"But we are glad the minister has finally made it public where it's going, because this is good news for the patients, and that's what it's all about."

Central Health estimates that it will take about 18 months to construct a new wing, install the unit and train the operators.