Halifax Opens Province's Sixth New MRI Unit

Nova Scotians across the province have better access to important diagnostic health tests with six new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, including two high-tech replacement units at Capital Health.

Premier Rodney MacDonald toured the replacement MRI suite at the Victoria General site in Halifax today, Sept. 13.

"I'm proud that we have doubled capacity and improved access for those Nova Scotians who need these important diagnostic tests," said Premier MacDonald.

Nova Scotia has opened MRIs in four new locations in the past year. As well as the two replacement MRIs at Capital Health, the province has invested in a new angiography unit.

"We want Nova Scotians to know that we are taking action to address challenges in the system, like wait times. These MRIs are proof of that," said Premier MacDonald.

Nova Scotia had one of the lowest ratios of scanners per population in the country, with three for 940,000 people. The addition of one in Kentville, Yarmouth, New Glasgow and Antigonish means that the province has eight MRIs, a ratio of one for every 117,500 people.

So far, more than 5,000 people have had tests on the new rural MRIs. The machines enable health-care providers to diagnose cancer, heart disease and orthopaedic problems.

The new units cost about $12.5 million, including installation. The funding was made possible through the 2004 First Minister's Meeting Accord for funding of medical equipment. Hospital foundations throughout the province helped with remaining costs.

The Department of Health also used $1.425 million from the accord fund to finance the purchase of the angiography imaging interventional unit.

"Nova Scotians across the province can now get this important test closer to home, and faster. That's a huge step forward in our efforts to address wait times," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.

"With two new MRIs now operational at the QEII Health Science Centre, in addition to the new CT scanner and the new angiography unit, Capital Health is delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and improving the quality of care for the citizens of our district and the province," said Chris Power, CEO of Capital Health.

The new units are made by GE Healthcare.