Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 28, 2015

Manitoba Government Announces Replacement Nuclear Medicine, X-ray Suites to be Installed at the Grace General Hospital

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Updated Equipment to Support Improvements in Diagnosis: Minister Blady

Patients from across Winnipeg will benefit from access to updated nuclear medicine and digital x-ray equipment that will be purchased and installed at the Grace General Hospital, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.

“Patients get more accurate and timely diagnosis of injuries and illnesses when health-care providers have access to the most modern and up-to-date technology,” said Minister Blady.  “The new equipment will replace existing machines, improving the reliability of services and reducing test rescheduling.”

Nuclear medicine uses specialized cameras to take scans of internal organs for the diagnosis of a range of illnesses and injuries.  A substance called a tracer is administered to target a specific part of the body and a gamma camera scans the area to get information about how the different systems are functioning.

Nuclear medicine scans can be used for bone-related pathology, pulmonary function, heart function and organ system disease, as well as thyroid function and treatment.  About 2,450 nuclear medicine scans are performed at the Grace General Hospital annually.

“Health care delivery is enhanced when the right tools are available to do the job,” said Arlene Wilgosh, president and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.  “When advancements in diagnosis are supported by advancements in equipment, the people we care for ultimately benefit.”

The new x-ray equipment will increase efficiency and reduce patient waiting times while ensuring dependable access to services, Minister Blady said.  In 2012-13, more than 21,000 scans were performed by one x-ray suite at the Grace General Hospital.

The minister noted the Manitoba government has also released a tender for the purchase and installation of a new magnetic resonance imager (MRI) at the hospital, which will add capacity for thousands of additional scans.

MRIs use magnets to create and read signals from the water molecules in a patient’s body.  These signals are used to form detailed images of the body and the function of organs such as the heart as well as other soft tissues.

The images produced by MRI scanners cover all areas of the body and commonly include images of the brain and spinal cord, muscles, bones, connective tissue, organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart, breast, prostate and blood vessels. 

The Manitoba government is investing more than $3 million for the new nuclear medicine and digital x-ray suites.  The new equipment is expected to be purchased, delivered and installed in 24 months, the minister noted.

Every year, the Manitoba government invests more than $30 million in new and replacement equipment across the province.  New equipment can improve diagnosis and treatment, support staff retention by providing modern, up-to-date equipment, reduce testing duplication and improve ergonomics for patients and staff, Minister Blady said.

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