SASKATCHEWAN FINALIZES CT PURCHASE

The provincial government, in collaboration with Regional Health Authorities, has completed the purchase of three new computerized tomography (CT) scanners for Saskatchewan. Moose Jaw, Swift Current and Yorkton will receive the new scanners as part of the government's commitment to improve diagnostic capacity in regional hospitals.

"The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care called for expanded CT services in regional hospitals, as resources allowed," Health Minister John Nilson said. "We are pleased to fulfill that commitment, to better serve residents in each of these areas, and ease the demand for CT services in other centres."

In its 2003-04 budget, the province committed $2 million towards the purchase of CT scanners for regional hospitals.

The three regions are partnering with the province to purchase the CT scanners. The scanners in Moose Jaw and Swift Current are expected to be operating this fall, and the scanner in Yorkton will come into service around the end of the year.

Dr. Awie Dutoit, a radiologist in Five Hills Health Region, said this expansion offers tremendous benefits to patients and to physicians.

"Patients in these regions will receive CT scans more quickly and conveniently, and this advanced technology will also improve the ability of physicians to provide timely, accurate diagnoses," Dutoit said.

CT services are currently available in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert, with Moose Jaw and Swift Current sharing a portable CT scanner. These scanners perform approximately 72,000 scans annually. The new scanners are each expected to be able to perform 2,500 to 3,000 scans per year.

Saskatchewan Health and health regions continue to work to improve and expand diagnostic services, through development of a provincial strategy that addresses CT and MRI services.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083