REGINA QU’APPELLE HEALTH REGION UPGRADES DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region will be purchasing and upgrading diagnostic imaging equipment valued at approximately $750,000, thanks to funding provided by Saskatchewan Health.

The region will spend over half a million dollars to replace or upgrade equipment so that it is able to produce digital images.  The changes are in preparation for next year’s 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.

“The benefits of this technology are substantial for both patients and health providers,” Health Minister Len Taylor said.  “This investment is another step toward increasing our capacity to provide service.  The improvements will reduce duplication, and help save time and money for patients and the health system in general.”

“This funding will help us to prepare our equipment for archiving and distributing images electronically,” Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) CEO and president Dwight Nelson said.  “RQHR has made significant investments in state-of-the-art digital imaging technology and we are looking forward to providing these high quality, digital images to our specialists and care providers.”

The health region will spend an additional $275,000 to purchase a new “C-Arm” to replace a unit that had been in service for 18 years.  The new unit, which has been identified as a high priority by the region, provides portable radiology images that can be viewed on a screen.

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.

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 

Lori Foster
Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region
Regina
Phone: 306-766-5289