PROGRESS MADE ON DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SERVICES

Released on September 13, 2006

Saskatchewan hospitals are doing more diagnostic imaging tests and dramatically reducing wait lists.

Year-end figures from the seven largest health regions show that recent investments have significantly increased the number of services being provided. Health Minister Len Taylor applauded the efforts of health regions in addressing the rising demand for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests, computerized tomography (CT) scans and bone mineral density (BMD) tests.

"Access to these important services continues to improve for patients across the province," Taylor said. "Even with the increasing demand, Saskatchewan is succeeding in reducing waits for diagnostic imaging services."

The 2005-06 numbers show:

•19,600 MRIs were performed, a 22 per cent increase over 2004-05;

• 105,000 CTs were performed, a 16 per cent increase over 2004-05; and

• 18,600 BMD tests were performed, a 37 per cent increase over 2004-05.

The number of patients waiting for an MRI in Saskatchewan has dropped more than 42 per cent in the past two years. During the same period, the number waiting for a CT scan fell 18 per cent.

Saskatchewan's Diagnostic Imaging Network, an advisory body which includes clinicians, service providers and health region representatives, continues to map out a provincial plan that will ensure fair and efficient provision of services across the province. The plan will include a complete registry of patients needing diagnostic imaging tests.

Additional increases in diagnostic imaging service volumes are expected in 2006-07, as several new pieces of equipment opened in 2005-06 will have been operating for a full fiscal year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083