SASKATOON HEALTH REGION RECEIVES FUNDING FOR DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Saskatoon Health Region is receiving $3.82 million 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 to upgrade its cardiac catheterization lab, one of its computerized tomography (CT) scanners and purchase two digital radiology chest units.

"We have increased the number of diagnostic imaging tests we have done in our Health Region," Saskatoon Health Region Interim CEO Jean Morrison said. "This funding will help us continue on that path by allowing us to complete some much-needed upgrades to some of our diagnostic equipment and purchase some additional equipment."

Saskatoon Health Region will receive additional funding to increase the number of diagnostic services it is able to provide, so that wait times can be shortened. Diagnostic imaging services include CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds.

The region will also benefit from funding provided to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (SCA), which is receiving $3 million in federal funding to purchase a new linear accelerator for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

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For More Information, Contact:

Leanne Nyirfa Saskatoon Health Region Saskatoon Phone: (306) 655-3386