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Government purchasing second MRI for the province Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith says government will purchase a second Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit for the province as part of the $26 million medical and diagnostic equipment fund. "We recognize that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need access to diagnostic equipment such as MRIs, and with a second MRI unit, more people throughout our province will have access to this medical service," said Minister Smith. "It is all about ensuring that the people of our province have the access to the medical services they need � a commitment we made in Healthier Together, our strategic health plan." Minister Smith explained that a consultation process involving the medical community and the regional health boards will begin in the coming months to determine the type of MRI unit (fixed or mobile) and the location. The details of a focused consultation process will be announced in the coming weeks. "Government recognizes that our health professionals, those operating diagnostic equipment, are in the best position to determine the type of MRI unit best suited to the needs of our province. As such, we will consult with these groups, and seek advice on this very important decision," said Minister Smith. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a high technology diagnostic tool that can detect soft tissue problems and is especially useful in more in-depth diagnosis of conditions of the brain and spinal cord. There is currently only one MRI unit in the province, located at the Health Care Corporation of St. John�s. Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377 2003 03 27 4:20 p.m. |
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