CT SERVICE EXPANDS IN FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION

Residents of Moose Jaw and the surrounding area have access to a new computerized tomography (CT) scanner.

Health Minister John Nilson today joined key health region officials and community supporters at the official opening of Moose Jaw Union Hospital's new CT suite.

"We are taking strong action to improve diagnostic services in Saskatchewan," Nilson said. "This new CT scanner is a result of a successful partnership between government, Five Hills Health Region, the Moose Jaw Health Care Foundation and the surrounding community. It provides people in southwest Saskatchewan with more convenient, stable CT service, and affirms our commitment to improve access to vital health services for all residents."

Expansion of diagnostic imaging services is a key recommendation in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care. The new CT scanner is one of three recently purchased for the southern part of the province, using $2.1 million in provincial funding. The others are in Swift Current and Yorkton. North Battleford is also scheduled to receive a new CT scanner, and negotiations are underway for another in Lloydminster.

"In its Strategic Plan, the RHA established its priorities, one of which was to ensure that Moose Jaw Union Hospital reaches its full potential as a Level 1 Regional Centre. We are pleased and proud that, working with our partners, Saskatchewan Health and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, the Authority can provide a more convenient, stable CT service for our community," Five Hills Health Region Chairperson Dale Toni said. "This will allow our regional service to continue to recruit and retain highly skilled health professionals."

"This is great news for the region, and for our community," Moose Jaw Health Foundation Chairman Don Forer said. "The expansion of our diagnostic Imaging Unit and the addition of a permanent CT scanner is something we celebrate together. We are proud to be a partner upon which the region can depend."

The new scanner, which began operating in September, will be able to conduct approximately 3,500 scans annually. Provincially, more than 80,000 scans are done each year in Saskatchewan. CT scans enable physicians to take cross-sectional images of bones, muscles and organs that are more accurate than a general X-ray.

Details are expected by the end of the year on a new diagnostic services strategy for Saskatchewan, which will use an approach similar to that developed for the province's surgical care system.

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For More Information, Contact:

Lindy McIntyre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-8214 Cell: (306)537-3593

Craig Beesley Five Hills Health Region Moose Jaw Phone: (306)694-0200 Cell: (306)631-4758