The province has issued a Request for Proposals for an enhanced diagnostic area at Regina’s Pasqua Hospital, which would be the future home for a state-of-the-art MRI and for PET/CT scans.

Health Minister Everett Hindley explains that a recent feasibility study determined the need in Regina to meet future patient demand, with Pasqua Hospital the most suitable location because of its proximity to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.

The RFP supports the next phase of the project, which includes advanced planning and detailed design.

MRI scanners are currently available at Regina General Hospital and the only PET/CT scanner in the province is in Saskatoon.

PET/CT scanners provide highly specialized and very effective internal imaging, and they are commonly used for diagnosing cancer.