NEW MRI OPENS IN REGINA

Released on January 10, 2006

Patients across southern Saskatchewan will have quicker access to diagnostic imaging services, with the opening of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Regina General Hospital.

Health Minister John Nilson joined Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region representatives and staff today at the official opening.

"This is another major step forward in Saskatchewan's efforts to provide residents with high quality, timely diagnostic imaging services," Nilson said. "It will play a key role in improving access to MRIs in southern Saskatchewan, and reducing patients' wait times."

The MRI is Regina's second, and the fourth in the province. The purchase, planning and renovations cost approximately $4.6 million, of which $2.2 million was invested from the 2004-05 provincial budget. The remainder was provided through the 2004 federal health funding accord.

"I would like to thank our staff and radiologists for working so hard to develop and implement a plan that will maximize MRI and diagnostic imaging services for our clients and patients," Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region president and CEO Dwight Nelson said. "This second MRI marks the achievement of one of our major goals in diagnostic imaging. With it, and the other state-of-the-art equipment that we have in Regina, we can provide excellent diagnostic services in southern Saskatchewan."

Demand for MRI exams continues to rise, but Saskatchewan is keeping pace and significantly reducing wait lists. In 2004-05, 26 per cent more MRIs were done in Saskatoon and Regina than in the previous year. During that same period, the provincial wait list for MRIs decreased by 34 per cent. In 2005-06, provincial MRI capacity is expected to increase by 32 per cent, to about 21,000 exams.

Regina's new MRI began taking patients in late December. During its installation, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region rented a mobile MRI unit, to minimize disruptions to service and reduce the number of patients waiting. The mobile MRI will remain in use until the end of January.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Lori Foster Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Regina Phone: (306) 766-5289