People all over BC get the MRI and CT scans they need faster and closer to home, with most MRI and CT scans done last year.
“In March 2018 we committed to increase the capacity of MRI in the province. Since then, we have invested in improving patient services, adding new capacity and increasing examinations, “said Health Minister Adrian Dix.” We are living up to our promise to build capacity in our public health system because British Colombians do not have to wait months and months for their exams. “
In 2021-22, 296,211 MRI scans were performed, an increase of 49,105, or 20% over the previous year. The number of CT scans performed was 901,256, 11% more than the previous year.
Since 2016-17, waiting times for MRI exams have been reduced by more than half. The number of MRI scans performed has increased by 120,504 exams, or 69% since then. Since August 2017, the scanning time has increased to more than 4,600 hours per week, which is 1,800 more hours per week and an increase of 68%. This has been achieved by expanding MRI appointments on nights, weekends and holidays and operating the equivalent of 17 new MRI units across the province.
In 2021-22, two new MRI scanners began operating. One of them was at St. John’s Hospital. Paul, who was the third in that facility, and another at the new Granville MRI clinic, which opened last year. A new computed tomography scanner was opened in January 2022 at Burnaby Hospital, the second of its kind.
To support training and recruitment efforts, the Ministries of Health and Advanced Education and Skills and Training, along with the BC Institute of Technology, also established a fellowship program for MRI technicians. The program, launched in April 2022, provides support for MRI students so that they can graduate earlier and enter the world of work sooner.
The Ministry of Health also issued its first provincial medical imaging waiting list management policy that describes best practices for optimally managing MRI and CT waiting lists. This policy ensures that patient-centered care is provided by increasing access, choice, and transparency, and improving waiting list status communications for patients and referral professionals.
“We have always kept in mind that our patients and the health care they depend on are the focus of our efforts,” Dix said. “We’re celebrating with them as we see image capacity increase and waiting times decrease over the last five years. We also know there’s still more work to be done.” We’re committed to continuing to work hard to improve patient access to MRI and CT scans “.
Next year, efforts will focus on:
- increase capacity by performing more scans, maximizing operating hours and adding new scanners;
- increase staffing by improving education and training opportunities, such as the introduction of the MRI program;
- optimize the business process by increasing efficiency to improve service delivery for a better and more efficient patient and referral experience; i
- improve waiting list management and waiting list status communications by continuing to implement best practices in waiting list management.
MRI and CT scanners are non-invasive tools used to form images of the human body to assess certain medical conditions. MRI scanners use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to assess neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and abdominal disorders, and to stage cancers.
A CT scanner combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around the body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images. Computed tomography is commonly used to assess trauma and cerebrovascular conditions, to investigate thoracic and abdominal abnormalities, to stage and control cancers, and for preoperative and postoperative evaluation.
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To view the 2021-22 Annual Medical Imaging Progress Report, visit: