FRANCAIS

November 26, 2003

Health Minister Dave Chomiak today unveiled new ultrasound equipment at Misericordia Health Centre, one of six Winnipeg facilities receiving ultrasounds the minister said will help bring stability to diagnostic testing in Manitoba.

"Our investment in new equipment is one of the keys to reducing diagnostic wait lists," said Chomiak. "This equipment will ensure Manitobans will have more timely access to tests that are needed in the delivery of quality health care."

New ultrasound equipment is already being used at Concordia Hospital, the Health Sciences Centre and Seven Oaks General Hospital. St. Boniface General Hospital and Victoria General Hospital are in the process of expanding their ultrasound service with new equipment expected to be in place soon.

Chomiak said the ultrasound expansion is part of the government’s ongoing plan to build on the fundamentals of health care and involves more than $4.6 million dollars of initiatives including:

• $770,000 in operating funding for 14,000 additional ultrasound exams annually;
• $2 million in capital funding for equipment and renovations necessary for additional ultrasound volume;
• $72,000 for a permanent expansion of the sonographer (ultrasound technologist) training class from eight to 10 spaces;
• $40,000 to reduce sonographer training program tuition from $6,000 to $2,000 per year; and
• $1.8 million in capital funding for redevelopment of the ultrasound department at the Health Sciences Centre.

This ultrasound expansion is part of the Manitoba Wait List Reduction Plan. The plan has five components:

• improving information services including an expanded Health Links and posting of wait lists on Manitoba Health's website, allowing patients to choose hospitals based on waiting times;
• expanding day surgery and out-patient diagnostics to free up hospital beds;
• investing in new diagnostic equipment for all regions of the province;
• expanding use of rural diagnostic equipment and operating theatres; and
• stabilizing and renewing the nursing workforce.

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