New MRIs to help cut patient wait times at Kitchener hospitals
The Ontario government is investing in new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines at St. Mary's General Hospital and Grand River Hospital in Kitchener.
“This investment brings the number of hospital-based MRIs serving the people of Waterloo Region from 1 to 3 and better aligns our community with MRI access available in other communities across the province,” said Ron Gagnon, President and CEO of Grand River Hospital, in a media release.
The announcement was made Tuesday by Mike Harris, the MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga.
He said it's part of the provincial government's pledge "to end hallway health care and address wait times for diagnostic imaging."
Harris added that over the last decade the demand for MRI services has increased by approximately four per cent a year.
"Undoubtedly, countless individuals in our communities have had to travel to London, Hamilton or Toronto to get their medical diagnostic tests," he said. "This funding will make a huge difference to the people and families of Waterloo Region by reducing their travel time, wait times, and overall worry and stress about having their health care needs taken care of in a timely and efficient way."
The new machines are part of the government's $30 million investment to support MRI services in the province.
“As home to the Regional Cardiac Care Centre and Chest Centre, having access to MRI services at St. Mary’s for the first time in our history is both exciting and essential to support quality patient care at our hospital,” said Lee Fairclough, the President of St. Mary’s General Hospital, in the release.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.