Ontario will cover operating costs for a permanent PET scanner at Health Sciences North in Sudbury so that patients in northeastern Ontario can access care closer to home.
A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a diagnostic test used in managing patient care for patients with certain cancers, heart disease and neurological diseases. Currently, patients in northeastern Ontario have to travel to Toronto to have a PET scan. A PET scanner in Sudbury will reduce the travel burden on patients in northeastern Ontario and perform up to 750 tests per year.
The government will provide the hospital with up to $1.6 million in operating funding for a permanent PET scanner once the community and the hospital have raised the necessary capital for a permanent PET scanner.
“I am pleased to announce that Sudbury is getting a permanent PET scanner. MPP Glenn Thibeault has been a tremendous advocate for equitable access to high quality care in Sudbury and northeastern Ontario, echoing the voices of his community at Queen’s Park every day. The commitment and generosity of the community in Sudbury is truly inspiring.” Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Improving access to PET scans in northeastern Ontario is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which is providing patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care, the information they need to stay healthy and a health care system that's sustainable for generations to come.
“What great news for our community. I want to recognize the Bruno family for working tirelessly over several years to bring this issue to the forefront. We all know how important it is for patients in the north to have access to a PET scanner locally. By working with Minister Hoskins over the past few months, we have been able to make this a reality.” Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury