FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION UPGRADES DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

Five Hills Health Region will be purchasing and upgrading diagnostic imaging equipment valued at approximately $160,000, thanks to funding from Saskatchewan Health.

The region will spend about $15,000 to upgrade a fluoroscopy machine so that it is able to produce digital images.  The upgrade is in preparation for implementation of a Radiology Information System (RIS) and the accompanying Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) in 2008.  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.”

Five Hills Health Region will allocate the additional $143,000 of provincial funding towards the purchase of a new mammography unit to replace one that had been in service for 13 years.  The equipment was identified as a high priority by the region.

“This grant from Saskatchewan Health, combined with a large gift from the overwhelming support shown by the community for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s Mammography Matters Campaign, opens the door for this region to purchase a digital mammography system,” Five Hills Health Region executive director of Clinical Services Cheryl Craig said.

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.  Craig added that approach also saved the health region the time and effort involved in initiating its own formal procurement process.

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.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca 

Craig Beesley
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-0296