History made with first MRI in Nunavut

Press Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut – The Government of Nunavut made history last week when the health care team at Qikiqtani General Hospital (QGH) performed the first head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Nunavut.

This breakthrough was made possible with the arrival of a new portable MRI machine earlier this month. Currently in the QGH emergency department, there are approximately 80 brain computed tomography (CT) scans performed each month. The new MRI machine will allow brain scans to continue in-territory while the current CT scanner is being replaced, and long afterwards.

“The Department of Health is using this advanced medical device to deliver essential services and lessen the equity gap in health care between northern and southern Canada,” said Minister of Health John Main. “While the cost savings of performing in-territory scans is significant, it is the benefit to patients that is most important.”

The new machine has an open layout and is designed to decrease anxiety associated with conventional high-field MRIs. Clinical staff and loved ones can remain at the patient’s bedside throughout the scan, bringing comfort and keeping them calm. This is especially important when scanning children.

The portable brain MRI provides safe, reliable imaging, is easy to manage on an iPad, and can be moved through the hospital to wherever it is needed, including straight to a patient’s bedside, making it a welcome addition to the current imaging options available.

Contact

Pam Coulter
A/Manager of Communications
Department of Health
867-975-5949
PCoulter@gov.nu.ca

IHT4