Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Reduces Wait Times

Premier John Hamm will join health professionals, patients, community members and other guests at an open house today, Feb. 16, to celebrate new state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment in Yarmouth Regional Hospital's recently renovated diagnostic imaging department.

"Investments in medical equipment make a difference at the bed side, with reduced wait times," said Premier John Hamm.

"The government of Nova Scotia has been pleased to honour the commitments we made in Your Health Matters, the province's plan for health care. Through these commitments, we are doing our part to fund important new equipment -- equipment that I understand is already reducing wait times for diagnostic testing in the region."

According to information collected by the South West District Health Authority, CT scan wait times have dropped from more than 10 weeks in September to less than three weeks currently.

The renovated diagnostic imaging department includes a new bone densitometer, multislice CT scanner, and a digital X-ray. The equipment was funded by a number of sources, including the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation and the Yarmouth Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, the federal government's Medical Equipment Fund, and the Nova Scotia Department of Health. The province also funded hospital renovations including changes to the diagnostic imaging department, rehabilitation services and ambulatory care areas.

"This is another example of the Nova Scotia model of health care, where everybody steps up to the plate and does their part in committing to better health care for all," said Premier Hamm.

"This event is our opportunity to thank our governments and our volunteers for their contributions toward making this new equipment and renovations a reality," said Blaise MacNeil, chief executive officer, South West Health.

This is another step in the province's plan to increase access to diagnostic equipment. Most recently, an MRI began operation in Cape Breton.