New partnership will reduce wait times for MRI scans on PEI
A new partnership between the Department of Health and Wellness, Health PEI, and Building with Vision Ltd. will reduce wait times for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans in Prince Edward Island and help improve access to this essential service for Islanders.
Through this partnership, patients referred by Health PEI will be able to receive publicly funded MRI scans at Building with Vision’s Summerside Diagnostic Imaging Centre.
“Reducing wait times and improving access to care are among our government's top priorities. This new partnership with Building with Vision will help more Islanders get the MRI scans they need, sooner and closer to home. By expanding publicly funded diagnostic imaging capacity here in the province, we are taking action to build a stronger, more responsive health care system for Islanders.”
-Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle
A contract with an MRI facility in Moncton that started in the fall of 2024 has significantly reduced the backlog of patients waiting for scans. This added capacity closer to home will continue to help lower wait times.
“The Summerside Diagnostic Imaging Centre will allow us to continue to make improvements in our wait times and clear the backlog of patients,” said Laurae Klocschinsky, Interim CEO of Health PEI. “Even better, it will allow us to provide certain types of MRI scans closer to home. I want to be clear: this is publicly funded health care, using the capacity and innovation of our partners at Building with Vision.”
“My colleagues and I are pleased to partner with Health PEI in this important effort to help reduce MRI wait times for Islanders and improve health outcomes across the province,” said Dr. Guy Boswall of Building with Vision. “Timely access to diagnostic imaging is essential to ensuring patients receive the care they need, when they need it. By working together, we can help strengthen access to MRI services, support earlier diagnosis and treatment, and contribute to better care for patients and families throughout Prince Edward Island.”
Patients will continue to follow the standard MRI process by being referred to the MRI department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital by a Health PEI health care provider. Patients cannot schedule their own appointment or be reimbursed for an MRI completed in a private clinic unless they have first been referred to a specialist who will review their case.
Media Contact:
Dave Atkinson
Senior Communications Officer, Health PEI
datkinson@ihis.org
Autumn Tremere
Senior Communications Officer, Department of Health and Wellness
agtremere@gov.pe.ca
Blair Murphy
General Manger, Building with Vision Ltd
gm@buildingwithvision.com