A new computed tomography (CT) scanner with advanced image quality will provide enhanced diagnostic imaging services for people in east central Saskatchewan, supported by $600,000 in government funding. The new CT scanner will replace the aging, 10 year old machine currently in use at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre as it can no longer be maintained after this year.
“Providing timely and high quality diagnostic imaging services to Saskatchewan patients is a high priority for our government,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “CT services in Yorkton have a steady volume due to the large area it serves. The new CT scanner is vital to the region, bringing the newest technology and improved diagnostic capability to the people of east central Saskatchewan.”
The cost of a new CT scanner is estimated at $1.2 million. The Ministry of Health will fund 50 per cent of the replacement cost, and will continue to fund the operating costs associated with CT services. The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan has committed to raise the remaining 50 per cent of the new CT scanner cost as part of its capital campaign.
“It is hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since CT scan technology was first introduced into our region,” Sunrise Health Region President and CEO Suann Laurent said. “This next generation machine will offer our clinical teams the advanced and reliable technology needed to continue their life-saving work and the ability to enhance health outcomes for the people we serve. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Government of Saskatchewan and our local community.”
The first CT scan in Sunrise Health Region was generated in January of 2005. The current CT scanner has since produced more than 53,000 thousand scans.
“Raising funds for a CT scanner is a major task and although I have no doubt that donations from the community will continue, this cost-sharing commitment of the Ministry of Health will definitely speed the acquisition of the new CT scanner and the benefits to the community,” Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan Executive Director Ross Fisher said.
The timing of the replacement CT scanner will be based on the completion of fundraising, and a provincially co-ordinated bulk purchase of replacement diagnostic equipment.
