Community support has helped fund a new state-of-the-art X-ray unit at Bowmanville Hospital, marking a major milestone as the hospital celebrates 50 years of providing care in Clarington.
The new diagnostic imaging equipment replaces aging technology at a time when demand for medical imaging services continues to grow across Durham Region. Hospital officials say the upgraded Carestream X-ray rooms will deliver sharper, clearer images while significantly reducing radiation exposure for patients.
Jennifer Steininger, Charge Technologist at Bowmanville Hospital, said the new system represents a significant improvement for both patients and staff. In addition to producing higher-quality images, the equipment includes a built-in camera to enhance patient safety and automated features that reduce physical strain on technologists.
Funding for the new X-ray unit was achieved entirely through community donations over a two-year period. The Bowmanville Hospital Foundation mobilized residents, businesses and partners through major gifts, direct mail campaigns and fundraising events. Key initiatives included the 2025 Foundation Gala, Racing for Health and a record-setting Holiday X-ray campaign that helped push the fundraising effort past its goal.
Community partners also played an important role. Baker Tilly KDN LLP served as the lead matching partner during the Holiday X-ray campaign, helping inspire donor participation and contributing to strong fundraising results.
The new X-ray unit is part of the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s broader “We Care, We Can” campaign, which funds 100 percent of the hospital’s equipment needs. As planning moves forward for a redeveloped Bowmanville Hospital, the new imaging equipment will eventually transition into the expanded Diagnostic Imaging Centre at the future facility.
The hospital redevelopment project is expected to more than double the size of the current site. Plans include adding up to 32 new beds, expanding the emergency department, enhancing inpatient and ambulatory care services, and introducing new specialized facilities such as hemodialysis stations and a rooftop helipad for faster emergency transfers.
Hospital officials say investing in modern equipment now is critical to preparing for the expanded facility. The redevelopment represents one of the largest projects undertaken by Lakeridge Health to date.
Community fundraising remains central to the project’s success. Approximately $110 million is expected to come from community support, making it the largest fundraising initiative in the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s history.
As Bowmanville Hospital marks its 50th anniversary, leaders say the successful campaign for the new X-ray unit reflects the strength and commitment of the Clarington community to local health care.
