New MRI Suite Enhances Patient Care at Halifax Infirmary

NOTE: Photos of the new MRI suite are available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/09/16/new-mri-suite-halifax-infirmary

Patients at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax will benefit from faster, more precise diagnostic imaging with the opening of a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite.

Scans using a new 1.5 Tesla (1.5T) MRI began today, September 16.

The new suite at the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary, offering quality, safety and comfort, is equipped with MRI technology that provides clearer, more detailed images – essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment in areas such as neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, abdominal and urological care.

“This significant advancement reaffirms our commitment to enhancing diagnostic imaging and elevating patient care across Nova Scotia,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “With two cutting-edge MRI units, the new suite will help reduce wait times and provide Nova Scotians with faster access to advanced imaging. This means quicker, more accurate diagnoses, which are essential for timely and effective treatment.”

MRI is a non-invasive examination that produces detailed images of the body's organs and tissues using a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer that takes detailed photos inside a patient’s body.

A new 3T MRI will be operational in mid-October. Both the 1.5T and 3T scanners are capable of delivering faster, more detailed imaging, increasing the number of patients that can be seen daily.

Key features of the new facility include:

• two fully equipped MRI suites
• support spaces with two intravenous preparation rooms
• an inpatient transfer room equipped with a ceiling-mounted patient lift
• innovative technology, including nature-inspired lighting effects to reduce patient anxiety
• outpatient changing rooms, washrooms and lockers.

Investing in health equipment, technology and infrastructure to support a safe, attractive, and healthy workplace, and providing the care that Nova Scotians need and deserve, are solutions in Action for Health, the government’s plan for improving healthcare.

Quotes:

“Our new MRI suite represents a transformative advancement for both our patients and our healthcare teams. For our staff, the suite’s design enhances workflow efficiency, allowing us to deliver the highest standard of care more effectively.”
— Dr. James Clarke, Diagnostic Imaging Clinical and Academic Department Head, Central Zone, Nova Scotia Health

“Today’s milestone of the first patients being seen with the 1.5T MRI is the culmination of 17 months of design and construction. We’re currently in the final stages of construction of the 3T suite, which will be ready for patient scans in October.”
– David Benoit, President and CEO, Build Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the new MRI was procured from Siemens Canada
• an MRI machine at the QEII’s Victoria General site is also scheduled for replacement in 2025
• the QEII Foundation is currently fundraising $8.5 million for two new MRIs units – a relocatable and a mobile – to help improve access to these critical scans

Additional Resources:

News Release – More Access, Improved Wait Times for MRIs: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/05/10/more-access-improved-wait-times-mris

Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/