Vancouver Coastal Health buys private MRI clinic

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Coastal Health has acquired a private MRI clinic after the owner, Canadian Magnetic Imaging Ltd., closed its operations. The Granville MRI Clinic is located on Granville Street and is expected to perform about 5,500 MRIs annually.

“Not only will this clinic provide improved access for MRI diagnostics, it will do so in an outpatient setting,” said Dr. Jonathon Leipsic (pictured), regional department head, medical imaging, VCH and PHC, St. Paul’s Hospital. “This facility, providing advanced diagnostics, will help deliver needed care and help support our hospital MRIs, which are largely running 24/7.”

Along with the purchase of the medical imaging equipment, VCH made improvements to the 232-square-metre (2,500-square-foot) clinic to provide a safe and welcoming space for clients to receive their MRI exams.

“A new MRI clinic in our community builds on our provinces’ commitment to make sure people get the services they need to live happy, healthy lives,” said George Heyman, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview. “This will be a welcoming and accessible location for people to access necessary MRI services, and supports our commitment to high-quality healthcare.”

Vivian Eliopoulos, president and chief executive officer, VCH, said: “We are pleased to open the Granville MRI Clinic to provide patients with greater access to MRI services. This new clinic will help address the need for increased access to MRI services in a convenient location.”

The scanner, a Siemens Magnetom Espree 1.5T MRI Open Bore MRI, underwent a thorough assessment prior to acquisition, and will provide robust service for years to come.

Operated by the Lower Mainland Medical Imaging group, a consolidated service of the Provincial Health Services Authority, the clinic is a partnership between VCH and Providence Health Care (PHC). To optimize the operating and staffing model, MRI technologists, radiologists and clerical staff from St. Paul’s Hospital will rotate through the new clinic.

The announcement builds on the Province’s multi-year Surgical and Diagnostic Imaging Strategy to improve access, reduce wait times and leverage capacity in the public healthcare system.

To date, the strategy has resulted in more than 247,100 exams performed and two suites added in 2020-21, with positive results since its launch and will continue to be built upon in coming years.

MRI is one of the tools used to diagnose certain medical conditions, including abnormalities of the brain, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body. An early diagnosis can lead to early treatment, which can improve people’s quality of life and return them to being contributing members of their communities and the economy.