PRINCE ALBERT OPENS NEW CT SCANNER

Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is improving residents' access to diagnostic imaging services, using a new 16-slice computerized tomography (CT) scanner.

The scanner, which was officially unveiled today, was purchased using $1 million in federal health funding provided to Saskatchewan in 2004. It will be able to do approximately 3,500 scans annually, about 13 per cent more than last year.

Health Minister Len Taylor joined health region officials for the event, saying the new scanner will help Saskatchewan to continue reducing waits for CT scans.

"Prince Albert plays an important role in providing CT scans for residents of northern Saskatchewan, and ensuring they have timely access to this service," Taylor said. "As demand for CT scans continues to rise, we are pleased to provide the resources that enable the region to expand service even further."

"Prince Albert Parkland appreciates the support of the provincial and federal governments as we enhance services for the people we serve," Prince Albert Parkland Regional Health Authority Chair Ray Ewanchuk said. "The new equipment is not just for the people of our region, but will help many residents of northern Saskatchewan who seek services here. This new equipment builds on the vision of the community several years ago when Victoria Hospital became the first regional centre with a CT scanner that was purchased through generous donations from local residents, businesses and organizations."

CT scans enable physicians to take cross-sectional bone, muscle and organ images that are more accurate than a general X-ray. In 2004-05, more than 90,000 CT scans were done province-wide, an increase of about nine per cent over the previous year. This year, capacity is projected to reach 103,000 scans.

Diagnostic imaging services remain a high priority for the Saskatchewan government, which invested $10.5 million in these services in 2005-06. The province's new Diagnostic Imaging Network, the first in Canada, has also begun to develop a co-ordinated provincial plan for diagnostic imaging services. It will help ensure greater consistency, accessibility, and efficiency in using available resources.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083

Doug Dahl Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Prince Albert Phone: (306) 765-6102