Modern Medical Expands Access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Northwestern Ontario
by Scott A. Sumner
Modern Medical Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic has officially opened its doors, expanding access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) across Northwestern Ontario. Although the clinic has been serving clients since September 2025, it recently marked its formal grand opening, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, dignitaries, local medical professionals, and clients.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment in which patients breathe 100% oxygen inside a specialized chamber pressurized to two to three times normal atmospheric levels. Under these conditions, the lungs absorb substantially more oxygen, increasing oxygen concentration and delivery throughout the body. This heightened oxygen concentration stimulates natural healing processes, benefitting both individuals with specific medical conditions and those seeking enhanced recovery and wellness.
Designed with patient care, innovation and community collaboration at its core, Modern Medical aims to support clients with high-quality clinical services while working closely with healthcare professionals across the region to deliver advanced healing. The clinic's mission is to improve access to HBOT for communities throughout Northwestern Ontario, where specialized treatment options can be limited. “We're thrilled to officially open our doors and expand access to this vital therapy,” says Dr. Meaghan Labine, CEO and Medical Director of Modern Medical. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an incredibly powerful tool for healing. Chronic wounds and diabetes-related complications are rising across Northwestern Ontario, and many of these cases respond incredibly well to HBOT. We are also thrilled to offer new therapeutic options for patients suffering from radiation injury and hearing loss. Our goal is to ensure that people in region have access to exceptional medical care that combines innovation and healing in a comfortable environment, close to home.”
During the event, dignitaries and guests congratulated the clinic on its opening and its contribution to regional healthcare. Clients are already experiencing the benefits of the new facility. Clinic representatives emphasized HBOT's potential to support wound healing, reduce complications, and help address the disproportionate rates of chronic wounds and amputations in northern and remote communities, including Indigenous communities, where barriers to care and higher rates of diabetes contribute to significantly increased risk.
OHIP funds 14 indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including non-healing wounds, sudden hearing loss and delayed radiation injury from cancer therapy. Those with non-healing diabetic wounds also benefit, as HBOT helps prevent lower limb amputation and other diabetic related complications. Through the combination of pressure and 100% oxygen, HBOT accelerates the body's innate healing potential to facilitate functional tissue regeneration and speed recovery. For more information about Modern Medical Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinic or to learn more about the benefits of HBOT, visit: modernmedicalclinic.ca
I asked Dr. Meaghan Labine, CEO Medical Director some questions about this exciting new facility.
When did you first begin working on this project?
“ I started this process in 2015 during second year medical school after I wrote the business plan for it. It has taken me 10 years with the collaboration of my executive team to bring this to fruition, so it is a dream come true. I saw the potential of this therapy for NW Ontario and now it is finally come true!”
“The building was purchased in September 2023 and by September 2025 we opened the doors.”
How has it been along the way to opening?
“ It was a difficult journey but difficulty breeds resiliency. It was import to go through that and the clinic is stronger as a consequence. It also taught me a lot more about the practice of hyperbaric medicine itself, what it takes to offer it and why it is important for the region.” “Building it from the ground up, cultivated the idea and vision for it was the most difficult.”
What can a person expect to do when coming to Modern Medical?
“ Every patient when they come in are with us for 2 to 3 months- so in treatment 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. It is quite a commitment but we are finding patients start to feel better, they sleep better, their mood improves and the indication they were referred to us for starts to improve over time. It takes time to appreciate the healing but their general well being usually travels along with their healing process. We also get some time with the patients to help better dial in to their health care needs because we talk with them daily, give the attention and collaborate with their other health care providers and specialists.”
How does the hyperbaric medical process work?
“ It uses the bodies natural physiology. You are in a clear tube which we fill to 100% oxygen and pressurize it to 2 atmospheres. We are at one atmosphere now and that combination of pressure and oxygen super hyper ozygenates to the body so you get the plasma and lymphatic fluid as well as the cerebral fluid. This triggers the natural healing ability so the body heals 10 to 20 times faster that it's rate with out hyperbaric.One this is achieved it helps grow new blood cell and cell formulations such as stem cell production and help control infection.”
“You have to do the treatments consistently for the period of time. To give an example for with one treatment it can increase your stem cell production by 2 fold, and after 20 treatments it increases by 8 fold. You can only reach that with consistently high oxygen and the push-pull tension for the body to regenerate so you get noticeable benefit.”
Is this service supported by OHIP coverage?
“ There are the OHIP funded problems- One example is say anything that is a non healing wound- in particular with our diabetic patients that are prone, which can lead led to amputation. We can speed up the healing process with hyperbaric. There is also delayed radiation injury, sensory hearing loss and helping return peoples hearing among other conditions covered by OHIP.”
How are you enjoying the work at Modern Medical?
“ It is very rewarding. I am a family medicine and emergency physician by trade and training and have an additional specialty- Hyperbaric Medicine. It is rewarding to offer a treatment that not only has huge benefits but the healing is tangible with very minimal side effects with global impacts on the body.”
“ Prior to this there are clinics in the Toronto area and people would have to travel there for anywhere from 2 to 3 months for therapy. This is hugely important to getting treatment at home.”
