Mistissini, Que., gets its own medical imaging department

Patients in Mistissini, Que., no longer have to travel and wait for an X-rayaftera new medical imaging department was openedby the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay in June.

Before the department opened, patients would have toget themselvesto Chibougamau, 90 kilometresaway,for X-rays, electrocardiogram tests (ECGs) and dental panoramic radiographs (dental X-rays).

"It helps cut down the cost of sending patients out for any X-ray and ECG," said Greta Visitor, interim assistant executive director for theMiyupimaatisiiun department at theCree Board of Health and Social Services.

"We're very happy.The patient can be diagnosed and helped right away now."

Since the department, staffed by three technicians, opened on June 16.Tenpatients a day can be seen, and hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

"When you travel back and forth to Chibougamau you are already losing three hoursfor the patient to be treated," said Visitor.

According to Visitor, X-rays conducted by the department are read and sent electronically to doctors in nearby Amos, Val d'Or or Rouyn-Noranda. Those doctors thenrelay the results to aradiologist in Mistissini.

"The results can be delivered in no time," said Visitor.

The Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay is also using the department's opening toencouragelocals to train to become radiologists.