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New MRI Will Reduce Wait Times In Cambridge Area

McGuinty Government Improving Access To Diagnostic Scans

January 13, 2011

News

Cambridge-area patients will soon have increased access to diagnostic scans and benefit from reduced wait times with a new MRI machine at Cambridge Memorial Hospital – a first for this hospital.
 
The new MRI machine is expected to provide patients with 3,120 scans every year and once up and running will operate for 40 hours a week. This MRI machine will make it easier for people who need an MRI scan to get tested and treated more quickly, closer to home.

Today's announcement is part of the government's Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.

quotes

“This new MRI is wonderful news for Cambridge residents. It means patients will not only have more access to this much needed service, but also they’ll also live with greater peace of mind knowing that the quality health care they need is close by.”
-- Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

“The announcement of a new MRI for our hospital will increase our capacity to deliver acute health care services for our patients.”
-- Patrick Gaskin, President and CEO, Cambridge Memorial Hospital

“This new MRI will improve access, which was identified as a priority by our community and is included in our local health service plan.  It means that patients in the Waterloo Wellington LHIN will receive a faster diagnosis of an ailment, which will lead to faster treatment, close to home."
-- Bruce Lauckner, CEO of Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network

QUICK FACTS

• There are currently 78 MRI machines operating in Ontario’s hospitals.
• Since 2005, wait times for MRIs have dropped by 39 per cent in the Waterloo Wellington LHIN.
• Since 2003, 30 MRI machines have been approved for operation.

LEARN MORE

Visit Cambridge Memorial Hospital and the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network online.
Learn more about Ontario’s Wait Time Strategy.

Members of the media:

Neala Barton, 416-327-4388
Minister's Office

David Jensen, 416-314-6197
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
ontario.ca/health-news