Surrey Memorial Hospital is taking a giant leap in enhancing medical diagnostics with the arrival of a state-of-the-art mobile MRI unit. This game-changing development promises to ensure that residents in Surrey and its surrounding areas continue to receive timely, high-quality healthcare services without interruption.

"This new MRI unit is a significant advancement in our medical imaging capabilities," commended Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre. "With over 10,000 MRI scans performed yearly at Surrey Memorial, the mobile unit is critical in reducing waiting times and enhancing patient access to essential diagnostic imaging. As we await the installation of two new advanced MRI scanners, this innovative solution will ensure that our community’s healthcare needs are met seamlessly."

Positioned inside a robust 15-meter trailer located conveniently behind the Critical Care Tower, the mobile MRI unit is set to begin patient scans by late July, once all construction and testing phases are finalized. A specialized connection space is being constructed to facilitate easy and weather-protected transfers of patients between the hospital and the mobile unit.

The new GE Signa Voyager 1.5T MRI System is designed to cater to both children and adults, boasting a quieter operation compared to its older counterparts. Patients can expect sharper images and reduced scanning times, making the process much more comfortable.

"Timely diagnostics and treatments are vital components of our healthcare framework," stressed Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. "This mobile MRI will guarantee uninterrupted access to crucial imaging services for Surrey residents, particularly while our two new MRI scanners are under construction."

The advanced capabilities of MRI technology play a pivotal role in detecting a variety of health issues, such as abnormalities in the brain and spine, cancer in organs including the breast and prostate, tumours, cysts, and soft tissue injuries. MRI has become indispensable in diagnosing cardiac and neurological diseases, underscoring its importance in modern medical practice.

Dr. Lynn Stevenson, interim president and CEO of Fraser Health commented, "Careful planning and creative solutions, like introducing the mobile MRI unit, are essential to maintain continuity of care during our ongoing hospital upgrades. With more than 10,000 MRIs performed annually at Surrey Memorial, our new mobile unit is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the necessary imaging they need during this transition."

MRI technology employs powerful magnetic fields to create detailed three-dimensional images of internal organs, bones, and tissues. Early detection of health conditions through MRI can significantly improve treatment outcomes, showcasing the value of this advanced technology.

This MRI initiative is part of a larger strategy unveiled in June 2023 to prioritize 30 transformative actions to enhance services at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Remarkably, 19 of these initiatives have already been accomplished, with 11 more currently being advanced.

Stay tuned for more updates on the transformative health care initiatives happening in Surrey!

(Note: Information about Indigenous partnerships and diverse community service will be acknowledged in related developments promoting health equity across all populations in the Fraser Salish region.)