MRI CAPACITY EXPANDS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Following through on its commitment to expand diagnostic access in the province, the Saskatchewan government is pleased to announce several enhancements to diagnostic services.

In early May, Saskatoon Health Region implemented the first phase of improvements to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capacity with an increase of five and a half hours per day for MRI services, Monday to Friday at Royal University Hospital. A similar expansion is expected in early September when the MRI at Saskatoon City Hospital will increase from 10.5 to 14 hours per day, Monday through Friday. In December 2004, weekend shifts will be added at the Royal University Hospital. In total, the three-phase expansion will allow 2,200 more exams in this fiscal year.

As of July 1st, the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region has implemented 16 hour days for MRI services, Monday to Friday. On August 1st, MRI capacity in Regina will expand by eight additional hours on the weekend. These changes will result in a further 1,800 exams per year.

This enhanced level of service is one more step in a multi-pronged strategy to increase MRI capacity in the province that includes expansion of hours and the acquisition of a second MRI in Regina.

"We are pleased to be moving forward and working with our health regions, physicians and other partners to maximize access to diagnostic services in the province," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Our government continues to ensure that diagnostic services remain a high priority, as outlined in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

MRI capacity increases are being done in stages in both Regina and Saskatoon.

Improved access to diagnostic services is a key focus for Saskatchewan Health. MRI capacity in Saskatchewan has increased by 145 per cent since 1998. The 2004-05 budget announced an additional investment of $1.8 million in diagnostic service resulting in an additional 4,000 MRIs and 2,700 CT scans. MRIs use magnetism, radio waves and computers to enable physicians to detect conditions such as MS, brain or spinal infections and evaluate tumours and masses in soft tissues.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Lindy McIntyre Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083