TORONTO – The McGuinty government is providing better access to better care for Ontarians by investing more than $74 million for state-of-the-art cancer radiation and diagnostic equipment, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"People suffering serious health problems will have better access to the services they need as a result of the investment we're making today," Smitherman said. "We are talking about shorter wait times, and we're talking about better care."

Today's announcement of $74.8 million will improve access to key procedures by replacing old equipment with more efficient new machines, and by introducing better medical technology. The funding includes :

• $34.8 million to replace and upgrade radiation therapy equipment to offer cancer patients timely access to leading-edge cancer therapies
• $33.5 million to replace diagnostic and medical equipment (such as X-ray and ultrasound units, dialysis machines, ventilators, intravenous pumps, patient beds and exam tables) in hospitals undergoing capital redevelopment.
• $6.5 million to implement a new digital imaging system to improve access to specialized care for children.

This funding is part of the federal diagnostic and medical equipment fund, which provided $193 million to the Ontario government in 2005-06. Allocation of the remaining funds will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Today's announcement supports Ontario's ongoing work to reduce wait times for key services – cancer surgery, selected cardiac procedures, hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, and MRI/CT exams – through its comprehensive Wait Times Strategy.

"This money enables us to purchase state-of-the-art radiation equipment that delivers radiation treatment more precisely to cancer cells while preserving the body's healthy tissue," said Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz. "Our patients have been waiting for access to the best available technology – which is the hidden waiting list of health care. The government's investment in this new equipment addresses this hidden waiting list."

The government has now invested more than $530 million for the replacement of cancer radiation and cardiac equipment, MRI/CT scanners and other diagnostic equipment, in order to reduce wait times for these services. This funding is also being used to provide hospitals and long-term care homes with equipment that improves resident care and comfort. For example, we've invested $114 million in patient and nurse safety equipment, including bed lifts, making life better for patients and residents and for those who care for them.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and improving access to doctors and nurses.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

Backgrounder Improving Access to Cancer Treatment 2 pages | 22k | PDF format

Improving Access to Pediatric Care 1 page | 26k | PDF format

Diagnostic and Medical Equipment Funding for Health Capital Programs 2 pages | 31k | PDF format

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