The new 3 T MRI will greatly advance diagnostic imaging in the province for the benefit of patients.

“Eastern Health is pleased today to officially open this state-of-the-art 3 T MRI scanner, providing advanced diagnostic imaging which will enable health-care professionals to provide more precise, relevant and safe patient care,” said David Diamond, President and CEO of Eastern Health.

“On behalf of Eastern Health and our patients, we are thankful for the substantial investments from the Provincial Government, the Health Care Foundation and its donors, as we work together to provide top quality and accessible health care to the people we serve.”

MRI scans can help provide clarification on other diagnostic studies and guide management and diagnosis for many illnesses such as cancers, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal and cardiac conditions.

The benefits of having a 3 T MRI machine are numerous for both patients and health-care professionals, including:

• Extreme efficiency – This scanner can generate high quality images very quickly, allowing shorter examination times.
• Enhanced comfort for patients – The new machine is more spacious and has a number of built in features to help reduce anxiety for patients.
• Ultra-high definition imaging – The 3 T MRI provides an incredible amount of detail to clinicians, which is particularly beneficial when scanning for pelvic cancers, such as the prostate and neurological illnesses like multiple sclerosis and brain cancer.

In addition to the new 3 T MRI, Eastern Health also has two 1.5 MRI scanners in the region. For many conditions, the 1.5 MRIs will continue to provide excellent detail and information. Physicians will assess patients to determine what type of scan is best suited to a patient’s health condition and medical needs.

“In partnership with Eastern Health and the Health Care Foundation, our government is pleased to further enhance diagnostic imaging in the province,” said the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services. “This new 3 T MRI will produce higher-resolution images more quickly, supporting reduced examination times. We will continue to invest in health care infrastructure to encourage better health outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

The installation of the new $4 million 3 T MRI was made possible thanks to a $2 million investment by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with $2 million from the Health Care Foundation and its donors, including Trades NL which provided $1 million of this funding.

“The Health Care Foundation was very proud to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and its donors to introduce this incredible new 3 T MRI, which will greatly enhance the diagnostic services available here at home,” said Debbie Patten, Chair of the Health Care Foundation’s Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Health Care Foundation’s Board of Directors, I want to thank Trades NL for supporting this project, which will give back to so many of their members. I also want to thank BMO, Scotiabank and CIBC for their generosity and continued support of adult health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

This investment from the Provincial Government and the Health Care Foundation and their donors aligns with the organization’s new 2017-2020 Strategic Plan – Lighting the Way: Navigating Together, which underlines Eastern Health’s commitment to improving access to quality, safe and accessible clinical health services.

About Eastern Health

Eastern Health is the largest, integrated health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador employing approximately 13,000 dedicated employees, over 700 medical staff, and is supported by more than 2,000 volunteers, including members of numerous auxiliaries and fundraising foundations. With an annual budget of approximately $1.45 billion, the authority offers the full continuum of health and community services including public health, long-term care, community services, hospital care and unique provincial programs and services. Serving a population of over 300,000, Eastern Health’s geographic boundaries extend from St. John’s west to Port Blandford including all communities on the Avalon, Burin and Bonavista Peninsulas.

About the Health Care Foundation

The Health Care Foundation is committed to raising and stewarding funds for the advancement and enhancement of patient comfort and care, medical equipment, research and education within adult hospitals and facilities serving the St. John’s region. Through its fundraising initiatives, the Health Care Foundation assists Eastern Health in providing health care for the St. John’s region and specialized tertiary health services for the entire province.

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Media Contacts:

Jackie O’Brien
Manager, Communications and Stewardship
Health Care Foundation
jackiea.obrien@healthcarefoundation.ca
(709) 777-5906

Emily Timmins
Media Relations Manager
Department of Health and Community Services
T: (709) 729-6986
EmilyTimmins@gov.nl.ca

Tracey Boland
Media Relations Manager
Eastern Health
T: (709) 777-1412
TraceyL.Boland@easternhealth.ca