REGINA MRI MEANS REDUCED WAITING TIMES FOR TESTING

Health Minister Pat Atkinson today welcomed Regina's new MRI, which

will improve access to health services and reduce waiting times for

diagnostic testing for citizens of southern Saskatchewan.



"This MRI marks a milestone in the evolution of quality health

services for southern Saskatchewan," Atkinson said.



Saskatchewan Health has provided initial operating funding of $600,000

for the new MRI in the first year of operation. The province also

funded $2.4 million in site construction and start-up costs.



The province worked in partnership with the Regina Health District and

the Hospitals of Regina Foundation which raised $2.5 million through

its Life is Worth Giving campaign.



Atkinson said the province is committed to strengthening and improving

the health system in Saskatchewan.



"We have invested $1.9 billion in health this year -- an increase of

$195 million, more than 11 per cent, over last year. Our budget is

focussed on issues that are important to Saskatchewan citizens."



She said priority areas include shorter waiting times for diagnostic

procedures and elective surgery, enhanced health services for women

and improved cancer services.



"There are examples of innovations and improvements in many areas

of health, for the good of virtually every community in this

province."



The minister cited the establishment of a bone density program

for southern Saskatchewan, the second such program in the

province and the addition of a mobile CT scanner as examples of

services that will help individuals throughout southern

Saskatchewan.



- 30 -



For more information, contact:



Jeff Brown

Communications Branch

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4088