May 4 - New MRI Will Reduce Wait Times For Patients In Durham
McGuinty Government Improves Access To Diagnostic Scans
NEWS | May 4, 2009 2009/nr-023 |
Durham Region residents will soon benefit from reduced wait times with a new MRI machine.
The Ontario government will provide $800,000 in operating funding for the new MRI – the second for Lakeridge Health – to increase access to needed diagnostic testing in Durham Region.
The new MRI will provide an additional 3,120 scans annually, making it easier for those who need one to get it quicker and closer to home.
QUOTES
“I’m determined to increase access to diagnostic tests in growing communities like Durham Region. That’s why I’m so pleased to provide operating funding for a second MRI at Lakeridge Health.”
- David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“I am pleased that our government has acted to expand access to this important diagnostic service so close to Ajax-Pickering.”
- Joe Dickson, MPP, Ajax - Pickering
“This investment of a new MRI for our hospital strengthens our capacity to deliver better health care services for our patients.”
- Kevin Empey, Lakeridge Health CEO
"This is great news for both Lakeridge and their health care partners in the LHIN. For patients, this means faster diagnosis of an ailment, which leads to faster treatment, close to home."
- Deborah Hammons, CEO of the Central East Local Health Integration Network
QUICK FACTS
- There are currently 73 MRI machines operating in Ontario’s hospitals.
- Ontario funds 894,500 more MRI scans today than in 2003.
- Provincial wait times for MRIs have decreased by 15 per cent since 2004.
LEARN MORE
Visit Lakeridge Health and the Central East Local Health Integration Network online.
Learn more about Ontario’s Wait Time Strategy.
| Steve Erwin, Minister’s Office, 416-326-3986 Andrew Morrison, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 416-314-6197 | ontario.ca/health-news Disponible en français |