Media Advisory / Photo Opportunity: North York General Hospital unveils new
Medical Imaging Facility and celebrates the impact of community philanthropy

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - On Thursday, December 2, North York General Hospital (NYGH) will unveil its newly renovated Medical Imaging Facility. The new space will be utilized by over 220,000 patients in the community and offers leading-edge technology and specialized care, resulting in a higher level of patient service.

Annually, the Hospital treats 27,738 inpatients and 228,448 outpatients. The Emergency Department receives approximately 111,341 visits, making it one of Canada's highest volume Hospitals. The Hospital also serves the most diverse ethnic and socioeconomic patient base and in our aging, boomer, population has the oldest patient population demographic cohort in our nation. The Medical Imaging renovation project would not have been possible without the generosity of two donors - the Hospital's Volunteer Services and the Nanji family.

What: To celebrate the impact philanthropy can have, NYGH is hosting an official grand opening of the re-named Volunteer Services Centre for Medical Imaging and the Gulshan and Pyarali G. Nanji Ultrasound, CT and Radiography Centre. During this time, media are invited to preview the new facility, learn more about the specialized technology and meet the donors to learn about their personal motivation for giving.

Volunteer Services - making a difference in the community

Volunteer Services at North York General Hospital has a long history of volunteer engagement and hospital support. Their contributions have made a significant difference in the community and their latest gift of three million has played a large role in the renovation of the new Medical Imaging Facility.

The Nanji family - a true Canadian success story

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the Nanji family, and many families like them, escaped the destruction of their lives in Uganda when Idi Amin expelled all Asians in the country, and were granted access to Canada where they could begin anew. The Nanji family built their life in Toronto and they have decided to honour their experience in Canada by giving back through their philanthropic generosity. This donation makes the Nanji family one of the Hospital's largest donors.

Who: Speakers will include:

• Gulshan and Pyarali Nanji
• Olga Dellidonne, President, North York General Hospital Volunteer Services Board
• Dr. Timothy Rutledge, Interim President & CEO,  North York General Hospital
• Terry Pursell, President and CEO, North York General Hospital Foundation
• Dr. Elizabeth LaMere, Medical Director, Medical Imaging & Chief Radiologist
• Yasmin Ratasni, MP, Don Valley East
• David Zimmer, MPP, Willowdale

When: Thursday, December 2, 2010

4:30 p.m. - Behind-the-scenes tour of the new Medical Imaging Facility
5:00 p.m. - Opening remarks and speeches
5:20 p.m. - Photo Opportunity - Ribbon cutting ceremony
5:30 p.m. - General reception

Where: Medical Imaging Facility: North York General Hospital, 4001 Leslie Street, Toronto
**Note: Media are to enter at the South entrance of the Hospital, across from the parking garage - a greeter will escort you to the Medical Imaging Facility.

About North York General Hospital

North York General Hospital, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is one of Canada's leading community teaching hospitals. We offer our culturally diverse community a wide range of acute care, ambulatory and long-term care services across three sites. The hospital embraces health by providing innovative and compassionate care for the whole family at every stage of life. In September 2008, North York General Hospital was identified by Cancer Care Ontario as the first hospital in Ontario to meet all its targets for cancer surgery wait times. www.nygh.on.ca.

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