CT SERVICE EXPANDING IN SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

Health Minister John Nilson today announced a significant increase in access to diagnostic services in Saskatchewan. The government will purchase three new computerized tomography (CT) scanners for the southern part of the province.

The regional hospitals in Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Yorkton will each receive one of the new permanent CT scanners. Expansion of diagnostic imaging services was a key recommendation in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care.

"This increase in diagnostic services has been identified as a priority by our government, health regions and health professionals in the province," Nilson said. "Our government recognizes that it is a wise long-term investment in our regional health facilities, and for the health of our residents. We are pleased to be able to provide residents in these three communities with greater access to more convenient, stable CT services."

Following a tender process, Philips Medical Systems Inc. was selected to provide the multi-slice scanners, which will cost about $2 million. As a result of the more efficient group purchase tender, the province was able to afford three CT scanners, rather than the two it initially planned to purchase. The new scanners also have the capability to be upgraded if additional capacity is required in the future. Funding for renovations and training is included in the 2004-05 budget.

Nilson added that strengthening regional health services is important to patients, employees, and communities as a whole. Permanent CT service makes regional hospitals more attractive workplaces, contributes to the stability of the facilities, and encourages specialists to locate outside the tertiary centres.

It will take several months for the CT scanners to become operational. When the scanners are operating at full capacity, each will be able to do between 2,500 and 3,000 scans annually. CT service is currently available in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, with Swift Current and Moose Jaw sharing a portable scanner. Together, those services conduct more than 72,000 scans per year.

Improved access to diagnostic services, such as CT scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a key focus for Saskatchewan Health. CT scans enable physicians to take cross-sectional images of bones, muscles and organs that are more accurate than a general X-ray. MRIs do not use ionizing radiation. They provide greater detail of all images except bone, using magnetism, radio waves and computers to detect conditions such as MS, brain or spinal infections, and evaluate tumours and masses in soft tissues.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083