News release

State-of-the-Art MRI Helping IWK Patients and Families

Health and Wellness

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner is now in operation at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.

Government invested $6.9 million to purchase the new MRI scanner and complete associated renovations. The new equipment replaces an aging scanner.

“Children, youth and families from Nova Scotia and beyond receive excellent care at the IWK,” said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. “The new MRI is an essential piece of equipment for women, children and youth in our region, and will help ensure they continue to get the best possible care.”

The renovations include a dedicated area for anesthesia that will improve patient experience and flow, and reduce wait times.

The new MRI suite was designed in consultation with the IWK’s family leadership council. The suite will serve both pediatric and adult patients and ensure their safety and privacy during their exam.

Quotes:

“This new MRI suite will allow us to provide imaging that is a critical component of diagnosis and care planning for women, children and youth in the Maritimes, helping clinicians deliver the highest quality of care. We thank the government of Nova Scotia for making this possible.”

– Dr. Krista Jangaard, president and CEO, IWK Health Centre

Quick Facts:

  • an MRI scanner is a diagnostic imaging tool that provides non-invasive, detailed images of internal organs and systems
  • the installation of the new equipment, including a 4,536-kilogram magnet, was completed over the summer
  • the equipment is typically used for more than 5,500 scans per year
  • this is the only MRI imaging system for pediatric patients requiring general anesthesia in the Maritimes
  • the new MRI scanner will also accommodate breast health, orthopedic, oncology, neurology and fetal care assessments

Additional Resources:

Virtual tour of the new MRI at IWK: https://youtu.be/AyuVk1yF_Aw

News release from 2018 funding announcement: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20181204004

IWK Health Centre: http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca/

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