PET-CT coming to Saskatchewan

The province has purchased the first PET-CT machine for Saskatchewan.

The investment for the Positron Emission Tomography – Computerized Tomography is a positive step forward for patients in Saskatchewan, said Don McMorris, health minister.

“What this means for patients is they will no longer have to travel outside of the province to receive this service. We owe it to our patients to provide the highest quality care and the latest treatments, as close to home as possible.”

PET scans provide information that is not available from diagnostic tests such as MRI exams or CT scans. They are mainly used for treatment of cancer patients to determine the treatment required and monitor its effectiveness.

The province is providing $4 million of the $6 million toward the purchase, renovations and installation of the PET-CT scanner. The Saskatoon Health Region's Royal University Hospital Foundation has committed to raise the remaining $2 million.

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Saskatchewan patients who need a PET scan are currently sent to Edmonton or Winnipeg for this service and the province covers the cost of these out-of-province scans.

Renovations and installation will begin in the 2011-12 fiscal year, and the new PET-CT scanner is expected to be operational during 2012-13.

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