James Smith Cree Nation's mobile MRI unit to be operational at Regina General Hospital by end of July

A new mobile MRI unit is set to be operational at the Regina General Hospital by the end of July.

The Government of Saskatchewan said the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is leasing the unit from the James Smith Cree Nation and National Medical Imaging, which is owned by the nation.

The SHA is leasing the equipment in an effort to reduce MRI wait times. The province allocated $2.4 million for the project.

"Partnerships like this with communities and organizations across Saskatchewan help the SHA maximize the services we provide as close to home as possible for patients," SHA vice-president of provincial clinical and support services Bryan Witt said in a news release Tuesday.

"This additional resource will provide greater access in a timely manner for patients from Regina and across southern Saskatchewan."

James Smith Cree Nation Chief Kirby Constant, third from left, and Health Minister Everett Hindley, third from right, stand with other chiefs and dignitaries on Tuesday afternoon after formerly announcing the mobile MRI unit will open end of July in Regina. (Laura Sciarpelletti/CBC)

At a news conference at the Regina General Hospital Tuesday afternoon, Saskatchewan Health Minister Everett Hindley said the mobile unit is expected to increase MRI capacity in Regina by approximately 5,000 scans over the next two years.

While MRI wait times across the province have decreased, demand in Regina — including referrals from the southern half of the province — has increased. The health minister said the majority of patients in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw received their MRIs in approximately 100 days, but in Regina that number is closer to 300.

Hindley told reporters there are currently four in-hospital MRI machines in Saskatoon. But in Regina there are only two, not counting the James Smith Cree Nation's mobile unit.

"The mobile MRI unit will build upon our existing MRI capacity in the province and provide more timely and accurate diagnostic processes for patients, ultimately leading to quicker treatment plans," Hindley said.

The minister said working with James Smith Cree Nation and other surrounding First Nations has been a positive experience.

"We would not be here today without that valued partnership with our First Nations partners."

The Ministry of Health says the mobile MRI unit is expected to deliver 5,000 scans over the next two years. (Saskatchewan Health Authority)

James Smith Chief Kirby Constant said his nation is dedicated to working toward accessible and superior health care for Saskatchewan. He takes that quest personally as well.

"As a father with the two critically ill children, I also know that the hospital wait times are crucial for not only my own family, but for other people too," Constant said.

"Having people know that they [can get] this imaging for the doctors to do the proper diagnosis can alleviate some stress from the family."

The province initially announced the mobile MRI unit plan in December 2023. The unit first arrived at Regina General Hospital in mid-June. Since then, the SHA has been preparing it for patient care.