Announcing the First Comprehensive Report on Diagnostic Imaging in Northern Canada

Ottawa, July 13 – All of Canada faces challenges in providing quality diagnostic imaging services, but in the north an expansive and rugged terrain, harsh climate, limited travel infrastructure and small populations pose additional and unique hurdles to healthcare provision.”With this in mind”, says Dr. Richard Rankin, President of the Canadian Radiological Foundation, a charity aligned with the Canadian Association of Radiologists, “we undertook a project to create what we believe to be the first database of imaging services in one of the largest single geographical zones and most sparsely populated and challenging environments for the provision of radiology services in the world.”

The report Medical Imaging in Northern Canada: A Snapshot in Time was completed in April 2009 and will be publicly released during the 14th International Congress on Circumpolar Health being held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, from July 11th – 16th.

Dr. William Mason, Vice President of the Canadian Radiological Foundation, will give a presentation on the report during the Congress, on July 15th between 1:30 and 3:30 pm at St. Patrick School, 5023 46 Street, Room 125.

“The report,” says Dr. Mason, “indicates that northern governments and healthcare administrations are steadily progressing with solutions to address imaging care in the north.” He adds, “In carrying out the study, we also wondered whether common elements might emerge that would serve governments and the radiology profession to better understand the specific challenges in such an environment, which might then lead to strategies to affect overall improvements in care. We are pleased that the report has identified such potential strategies.” These include options for managing the health human resources deficit and training opportunities for healthcare providers.

For further information: To obtain a copy of the report, please call (613) 860-3111, ext 203. To speak with Dr. Mason about the report, please contact jroy-pilon@car.ca or call (613) 860-3111, ext 203; or on the day of the event, also call (613) 355-4075

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