Health minister Adrian Dix and delegates outside NRGH to announce a second MRI for the regional hospital. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

wait times reduced

Second MRI for Nanaimo hospital to reduce wait times

Jul 31, 2019 | 4:05 AM

NANAIMO — A new MRI machine at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is hoped to halve the wait time for patients in need.

The $5.5 million project was announced Wednesday, July 31 at the hospital, where head of MRI Dr. Brent Carson said it’s “outstanding news.”

The new machine is expected to not only significant reduce wait times, but also increase the number of complex scans for patients.

“The more complex exams that require expert operator skills are required to be done in the daytime,” he said. “By having two MRI’s we’ll be able to essentially double our ability to perform those complex exams.”

Carson said increasing the number of MRI machines will alleviate wait times and also the burden on other departments in the vast and complex system of the hospital.

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Health minister Adrian Dix said more than 11,200 MRI scans were completed at NRGH thoughout 2018 and 2019.

Ministry of Health stats show running the existing MRI 24/7 has already cut wait times nearly in half.

It’s unclear if the new MRI machine will also be operated 24/7.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit