For Immediate Release

Septemer 12,2005

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT REDUCING WAIT TIMES FOR MRI EXAMS IN KINGSTON

Replacing Old MRI At Kingston General Hospital With New, More Efficient Machine

KINGSTON – Kingston and area resident will have better access to more efficient care thanks to the new MRI machine that has started operating at Kingston General Hospital, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and The Islands announced today on behalf of Health and Long Term Care Minister George Smitherman.

“People suffering from significant health problems should not have to wait long periods of time to be diagnosed, “ said Gerretsen. “This new machine is more technologically advanced, which means that more people in this area will receive the procedures they need when they need them.”

Because of its increased efficiency, the new MRI will deliver an additional 420 exams per year.

“This is great news for patients in the Kingston area, said Smitherman. “For people receiving these scans who get a clean bill of health it will mean quick peace of mind. For others it may mean a fighting change against a disease like cancer where early detection is vital.”

“The arrival of our new MRI is a welcome addition to the hospital,” said Joe de Mora, President & CEO at Kingston General Hospital.  “The replacement of our MRI machine will greatly increase our ability to meet the needs of our patients. The ministry’s support will better enable us to improve patient care and reduce wait times for important diagnostic procedures such as MRI exams.”

In February the Health Minister announced an investment of $21 million to replace old MRI machines with newer more efficient equipment. The new MRI at Kingston General Hospital is one of seven replacement MRIs that will deliver 18,581 additional exams in 2005-2006. Since coming into office, the McGuinty government has increase the number of MRI scans delivered to Ontarians by 42 percent.

For the first time ever, this hospital equipment was bulk purchased in order to secure the best possible price, resulting in a 25 per cent savings to taxpayers.

“Patients expect and deserve the best possible health care, “ said Smitherman. “We are providing Ontarians with faster access to better health services, to reduce their pain and suffering and keep them healthier, longer.”

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build a health care system that delivers on three priorities – keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to donors and nurses.

                                                   - 30 -