Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has completed its 1,000th PET-CT (positron emission tomography–computed tomography) scan, reaching its first-year target more than a month ahead of schedule. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the region’s only PET-CT program and demonstrates the impact that program is already having in bringing advanced imaging to southeastern Ontario.
Launched in March 2025, KHSC’s PET-CT program improves access to state-of-the-art imaging. It combines metabolic and anatomical imaging to help health-care teams find diseases earlier, plan treatments more accurately, and monitor patients with greater precision.
Prior to its launch, Cancer Care Ontario estimated that approximately 1,000 patients travelled to Ottawa or Toronto for scans. The team set a goal of matching that annual volume in its first 12 months of operation — and instead surpassed it in just 11.
"Thank you to our outstanding team of booking clerks, technologists, and physicians on surpassing 1,000 PET-CT patients, an extraordinary milestone that reflects our dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence,” says Dr. Omar Islam, Head of Radiology at KHSC and Queen’s University. “This achievement represents more than a number; it means faster access to advanced imaging and better care for the community that we are proud to serve."
By reducing the need for many patients to travel outside the region, the program is reducing stress, shortening wait times and supporting more timely treatment decisions — benefits that are already being felt by patients and families.
“Over the past year, we have begun serving adult oncology patients, increasing local access to this imaging study which often plays a critical role in making decisions about patient care. This milestone reflects the strong foundation we are building in Kingston, and our ongoing commitment to providing quality care closer to home,” says molecular imaging specialist Dr. Roshini Kulanthaivelu.
The $10 million project was made possible through a combination of government support and philanthropic donations through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.
“There currently are only a small number of PET-CT scanners in Ontario, so relatively few hospitals are able to offer this technology, and we can already see the impact that this new program is having here at KHSC,” says Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Renate Ilse. “Since the launch of our program we have been able to make an impact on the lives of so many people. This is part of our commitment to bring advanced technology and innovative care to the people of southeastern Ontario.”
