April 22, 2004

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE—A new CT scanner at Portage District General Hospital and the expansion of the facility’s pharmacy will result in improved health care access to patients in Regional Health Authority - Central Manitoba Inc., Health Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.

“We are continuing with our efforts to improve health care access throughout the province,” Chomiak said. “This recognizes the role of this hospital in the region and provides a service closer to home for residents.”

“The CT scanner has become an essential tool in assisting physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of illness, a key function of primary health care. The addition of this basic piece of diagnostic equipment supports Central Region’s plan to enhance access to primary health care services,” said Neil Walker, CEO of the Regional Health Authority - Central Manitoba Inc. “We appreciate Manitoba Health’s commitment to keeping this regional centre current and modern.”

The new CT scanner will provide more than 2,300 scans per year, resulting in improved care for patients in the central region of the province and taking pressure off services currently provided at Winnipeg hospitals.

The cost of the project is approximately $2 million and is funded through the federal Health Equipment and Infrastructure fund and is a key component of Manitoba Health’s Wait Time Reduction Strategy.

A CT scanner is a sophisticated instrument that converts a standard X-ray into a three- dimensional image. It is used to diagnose brain and spinal cord injuries and diseases, as well as diseases of the liver, lungs, kidneys and other abdominal organs.

Chomiak noted the province has already committed more than $191,000 for the relocation and expansion of the pharmacy at Portage District General Hospital. The renovation will create much-needed space that is required to carry out the current scope of the pharmacy department operations.

The minister also committed to work with the regional health authority to plan improvements to the Portage District General Hospital’s emergency room.

“Investing in medical equipment—as well as redeveloping and building hospitals, personal care homes and other facilities—is necessary to operate a modern health care system,” said the minister. “As well, we need to continue the hard work that has already been done in training, recruiting and retaining doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the province.”

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