November 18, 2004

Portage la Prairie―Health Minister Tim Sale today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a facility that will house a new CT scanner at Portage District General Hospital.

"Our investment in new equipment is one of the keys to reducing diagnostic wait lists," said Sale. "When the scanner is in place, it will ensure residents in the central region of the province have access to tests that are needed in the delivery of quality health care."

"We are very pleased to see the CT scanner project take shape. This initiative is certainly in keeping with the 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 the provincial, regional and local commitment in keeping this regional centre current and modern."

The new CT scanner will conduct 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.

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.

The total cost of the project, including the new CT scan, is estimated at $2.1 million and funded through the federal Health Equipment and Infrastructure Fund and the Portage District General Hospital Foundation. The project is a key component of Manitoba Health’s Wait Time Reduction Strategy.

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