Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

MRI CAPACITY EXPANDS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Released on November 2, 2004

The Saskatchewan government is following through on its budget commitment to expand access to diagnostic services in the province.

Hours of operation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services have increased again in both Regina and Saskatoon. Both Regina and Saskatoon Health Regions have introduced staged increases to MRI hours, as part of a multi-pronged strategy to increase MRI access in the province.

The strategy also includes the acquisition of a second MRI in Regina in 2005.

"We are making great progress in maximizing access to diagnostic services, which was identified as a high priority in The Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Federal funding will improve our ability to focus on this area, and help us provide the necessary resources to make quality health care services easily accessible to all residents."

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority added two 8-hour weekend shifts in late September, and Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority added one 8-hour weekend shift in early October. Both regions increased hours earlier this year, and plan further increases that will result in an additional 2,200 MRI exams in Saskatoon, and another 1,800 more in Regina annually.

Nilson said that by the end of the year, he expects to have a co-ordinated provincial plan for access to diagnostic services, which would include MRI, CT (computerized tomography) and X-ray services, using the knowledge gained from the Saskatchewan Surgical Care Network (SSCN). It is being developed by a Provincial Diagnostic Steering Committee chaired by Dr. Peter Glynn.



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 invested an additional $1.8 million in diagnostic service, which will allow an additional 4,000 MRI, an increase of about 30% over the previous year, as well as 2,700 CT scans annually.

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.\0ase

-30-



For More Information, Contact:

Lindy McIntrye
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8214

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve