REGINA QU'APPELLE HEALTH REGION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is receiving $4.55 million for diagnostic imaging equipment. The funding is part of the $66 million Saskatchewan received this fiscal year as a result of the 2004 First Ministers' Meeting.

"Diagnostic imaging services are a high priority for the government and the health system," Health Minister John Nilson said. "These purchases will help us to improve the availability and quality of diagnostic imaging services across Saskatchewan. They will also fit well with our developing provincial strategy to organize, streamline and improve these services."

The region plans to use the money to complete the purchase of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, upgrade a computerized tomography (CT) scanner, and purchase a gamma camera and ultrasound machine.

"We are pleased to see investments in diagnostic technology," Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratories and Nuclear Medicine for Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Jim Slater said. "These additions and upgrades will allow us to enhance our diagnostic testing capabilities, which in the end will help improve patient care. A second MRI in Regina will allow us to complete more scans, while the upgrade to the CT scanner will provide for more comprehensive tests on patients."

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is receiving additional funding to increase the number of diagnostic services it is able to provide, so that wait times can be shortened. Diagnostic imaging services include CT scans, MRI tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds.

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For More Information, Contact:

Diane Larrivee Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Regina Phone: (306) 766-5365