FIVE HILLS HEALTH REGION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Five Hills Health Region is receiving a quarter of a million dollars 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 for general radiology purchases and a new portable X-ray machine.

"Maintaining high quality diagnostic imaging equipment in our health region continues to be a high priority," Five Hills Health Region Chairperson Dale Toni said. "Patients benefit by having high quality diagnostic services close to home."

"The residents of this health region will benefit from this important investment in diagnostic equipment through timely, quality diagnostic services," Centennial chair and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel added.

Diagnostic imaging services include computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds.

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For More Information, Contact:

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