NEW DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT IN CYPRESS HEALTH REGION

Cypress Health Region will be purchasing diagnostic imaging equipment valued at approximately $117,000, thanks to funding from Saskatchewan Health.

The region will purchase a new X-ray machine to replace a unit that had been in service for 23 years.  The new equipment was identified by the region as a high priority.

“This investment will help the region increase its capacity to provide residents with timely diagnostic imaging services,” Health Minister Len Taylor said.  “We are committed to improving access to these services and we continue to make steady progress on a co-ordinated provincial diagnostic imaging strategy.”

“The extra capital funding for diagnostic imaging equipment is very welcome and could not be more timely,” Cypress Health Region Regional Diagnostic Imaging manager Terry Coulter said.  “We have aging equipment throughout our health region that has been identified for replacement.”

“The approved capital funding will be used to replace the existing 23-year-old X-ray unit in the Leader Hospital,” Coulter added.  “This is another important step forward as our region prepares to meet the provincial initiative of a digital diagnostic imaging environment.”

In total, Saskatchewan Health is distributing over $5 million to health regions to upgrade and replace diagnostic imaging equipment.  That includes $300,000 in funding saved last year because health regions purchased equipment in bulk through the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations.  Coulter added that approach also saved the health region the time and effort involved in initiating its own formal procurement process.

Approximately two-thirds of the provincial funding will be used to replace or upgrade equipment to make it capable of producing digital images.  The province is beginning implementation of a Radiology Information System (RIS) and the accompanying Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS).  These systems will improve diagnostic imaging services, and make images and results available electronically to health care providers across the province.

Recent investments in diagnostic imaging services have significantly increased the services being provided.  In 2005-06, Saskatchewan provided 22 per cent more MRI exams, 16 per cent more CT scans and 37 per cent more bone mineral density tests.  MRI wait times dropped most dramatically, falling 42 per cent over the last two years.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca 

Bryce Martin
Cypress Health Region
Swift Current
Phone: 306-778-5117