Toronto, ON – March 23, 2026 – A few short years ago, patients in Newfoundland and Labrador relied on isotopes delivered from Ontario, resulting in radiopharmaceutical doses racing against the clock to make it to patients. Today, those isotopes are made on-site, thanks to the leadership and staff of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services’ on-site cyclotron and radiopharmacy, ensuring that patients in Newfoundland and Labrador have access to life-changing diagnostics and treatments close to home.
As NL Health Services joins the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) as its newest Health Partner, it brings with it the story of how local infrastructure can drastically transform care across an entire province.
At the core of NL Health Services’ Nuclear and Molecular Medicine program is its cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical production facility, the largest in Atlantic Canada, housed within the Nuclear and Molecular Medicine Facility in St. John’s. This infrastructure enables the production and preparation of essential isotopes like F-18 FDG and Ga-68 DOTATATE and Ga-68 PSMA, supporting cutting-edge diagnostics for cancer, cardiology, and neurology.
With two PET/CT scanners now in operation, the hospital has already doubled its capacity to deliver high-resolution molecular imaging for patients across the province.
The Nuclear and Molecular Medicine program continues to expand with plans for the cyclotron to produce N-13 for PET imaging to assess myocardial perfusion and diagnose coronary artery disease. Once operational, the expanded program is projected to serve more than 500 patients annually, advancing cardiac diagnostics in a region where access to specialized care can be limited by geography.
“Through its commitment to growth, NL Health Services has exemplified how regional health centres can lead in innovation while ensuring that even the most remote patients benefit from timely, high-quality care,” said Melody Greaves, Executive Director of the CNIC. “NL Health Services shows us what’s possible when production, imaging, and cancer care are built to serve not just a region, but a whole province.”
“We are pleased to join the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) and collaborate with industry leaders committed to strengthening Canada’s isotope supply. Through CNIC, we look forward to advancing innovation, reliability, and sustainability in the production of critical medical isotopes that support diagnostic imaging and life-saving therapies. Together, we share a common goal of improving patient outcomes and reinforcing Canada’s leadership in nuclear medicine and medical advancements,” said Dr. Jeffery Flemming, Tammy Hudson and Julio Panama, Nuclear and Molecular Medicine leadership team at NL Health Services.
From on-site isotope production to serving patients across Newfoundland and Labrador’s vast geography, NL Health Services is a leader in advanced imaging, radiopharmaceutical production, and integrated cancer care. By joining the CNIC, NL Health Services joins a growing network of healthcare centres of excellence working together to advance access to life-changing isotope technologies.
To learn more about NL Health Services, visit nlhealthservices.ca.
About the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization. The CNIC supports over 115 members from across science, academia, healthcare, and nuclear-sector organizations dedicated to maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader in the production of life-saving isotopes. The CNIC raises awareness and advocates for long-term policies that support health-care innovation and will save countless lives for decades to come.
To learn more about the CNIC, visit www.CanadianIsotopes.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or please contact:
Evan Cameron
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
evan.cameron@canadianisotopes.ca