A new MRI machine is coming to the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgical Centre to help increase patient access to MRI services, and is expected to be in place in 2018.

This is the second MRI machine for the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgical Centre, bringing the total for the Surrey Memorial Hospital site to three.

Today’s announcement supports B.C.’s MRI strategy released in 2015 to increase the number of scans, adding up to 65,000 more annually by the end of four years to help address increasing demand and existing waitlists. The ministry and health authorities also reviewed the governance, service delivery and funding models for MRIs, to ensure an accessible and sustainable medical imaging system.

Full cost will be determined through a procurement process. Typical cost for a new MRI is approximately $5 million.

Over the past decade, B.C. has acquired 16 new MRI scanners for hospitals, for a total of 25 or a 178% increase. This has helped B.C. significantly increase the number of MRIs done in the public system over the past 10 years from 67,030 in 2004-05 to over 151,000 in 2015-16.

Health authorities will also provide more evidence-based guidance to physicians to help them order the best type of scan to meet each patient􀍛s specific medical needs. MRI scans are important diagnostic tools. However, different types of medical imaging can be used to diagnose certain conditions. In some cases, an x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be more appropriate.

MRI is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body's organs and structures. MRIs are used to diagnose a number of medical conditions, including abnormalities of the brain, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body.

The B.C. government is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects throughout the province. In doing so, these construction projects are creating well-paying, family-supporting jobs. These investments are possible because of the fiscal plan of the B.C. government.

Quotes:

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Stephanie Cadieux –

“As the population of Surrey expands, the need for accurate medical diagnostics also increases. I’m glad to see that the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgical Centre is receiving this new equipment and will be better equipped to handle future demands.”

Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Peter Fassbender –

“We are always looking at ways to support and improve health-care services. The new equipment we are providing will help shorten wait times and determine whether patients require treatment or not.” 

Surrey-Panorama MLA Marvin Hunt –

“The new MRI at the Jim Pattison Outpatient and Surgical Centre will add another resource that Surrey health-care staff can pull from. Not only are we shortening wait times, but we are helping people get back to their regular lives sooner.” 

Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk –

“The reason that we are able to invest in these MRIs is due to our strong economic growth and responsible spending. In concrete terms, our planning translates to more resources for doctors and more British Columbians receiving results sooner.”

Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg –

“When faced with a potential health challenge, having to wait for results can be hard on patients and families. The new MRI will shorten wait times and allow families to make necessary plans and move on with their lives.”

Michele Lane, executive director, Surrey Community Health Services, Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre and Renal Services –

“Whether it’s a broken arm, a minor illness or something more serious, patients need diagnostic imaging in order to receive treatment and stay healthy. An additional MRI scanner for Surrey at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre is great news for the community.”