Children who need an MRI, now have the opportunity to have a scan that is less daunting and more child-friendly.  Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital is now home to the province’s first portable pediatric MRI. A news release from the province says the portable Medical Resonance Imaging Machine will be used in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and in trauma situations. The scans can help physicians diagnose a variety of neurological conditions, including those from head injuries and suspected abuse.

With the portable MRI, brain scans can be done at the bedside of pediatric patients within minutes, and it allows family to be present. The JPCH Foundation through a partnership with Synergy 8 Community Builders and major donor Gene Pidwerbesky, raised $1 million to purchase the equipment, and the government will provide $419,000 annually to support the operational costs, including support for an MRI Technologist.

In the last five years, over 14,400 pediatric patients have needed and received MRIs. The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Head of Pediatrics, Dr. Terry Klassen, says, “The demand for the type of imaging this portable MRI provides is great so as a physician, I am excited to see it in use at the hospital.”

The SHA’s Clinical and Support Services Vice President, Bryan Witt, says, “We all know coming to a hospital for an appointment can be intimidating for our young patients especially when it comes to something like an MRI. Having the Swoop® Portable MR Imaging System, when appropriate, will make it much easier for the children, their families and our staff to get these images taken with as little disruption as possible. Thanks to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and their generous donors for helping to make this happen.”