NEW MOBILE MRI UNIT AT REGINA GENERAL HOSPITAL

A "mobile" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit is now up and running at Regina General Hospital.

The mobile MRI will be used for several months while Regina's second permanent MRI is installed and calibrated. This will ensure there is no disruption in service and will assist in performing additional examinations to reduce the backlog of waiting patients.

"The temporary MRI will help to further reduce the number of people waiting for diagnostic imaging and is another example of how government and health regions are finding innovative ways to meet the rising demand for diagnostic imaging services," Health Minister John Nilson said.

"Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is committed to increasing the number of MRI tests," Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory and Nuclear Medicine Executive Director Jim Slater said. "Having this mobile MRI allows us to make progress on reducing the list of people waiting for the procedure, while work continues on installing the second permanent MRI unit at the General Hospital."

Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority negotiated the rental of the portable unit as part of the purchase agreement for the second MRI. Locating it at the same site as the existing MRI ensures efficient use of human resources. Specialists at the Pasqua hospital will be able to access MRI images by computer.

"Timely access to diagnostic imaging services is a priority and we will continue to seek ways to maximize access and reduce wait times for MRI services," Nilson said.

The second permanent MRI is expected to become operational in December 2005. The mobile unit will be rented for a minimum of four months, with the option of a month-to-month extension if needed.

While demand for MRIs continues to rise, Saskatchewan is succeeding in meeting the demand and reducing wait lists. In 2004-05, 26 per cent more MRIs were done in Saskatoon and Regina than in the previous year. During that same period, the provincial wait list for MRIs decreased by 34 per cent.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083

Lori Foster Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Regina Phone: (306) 766-5289