Community-Based MRI Services Expanding In Saskatoon
Residents in central and northern Saskatchewan will soon have improved access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has awarded a contract to Mayfair Diagnostics to deliver publicly-funded, community-based MRI services in Saskatoon and to continue providing MRI services in Regina.
Mayfair Diagnostics will provide a minimum of 4,500 exams per year in Saskatoon. Services are expected to begin in Saskatoon in August 2020.
Saskatchewan has seen a growing number of patients referred for MRI in recent years, from approximately 39,000 patients in 2016 to 46,000 patients in 2019. To help address increasing demand and wait times, the province has invested in adding capacity and expanded hours of operation for MRI services in Regina and Saskatoon. In 2019-20, the Saskatchewan Health Authority budgeted approximately $141.4 million for medical imaging services, a 68 per cent increase since 2007. The 2019-20 budget also includes $2.4 million for medical imaging equipment replacement.
Criminal Record Checks Required For Name Change
Saskatchewan will now require a criminal record check for someone requesting a name change, and is the first province that may reject a request for a name change because of certain criminal offences.
Amendments have been made to the regulations for The Change of Name Act, 1995, that introduce criminal record checks as part of the change of name application process for anyone 18 years of age and older.
“These changes are about helping to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan said. “We don’t believe sexual offenders should be able to change their name to avoid public disclosure and scrutiny.”
Over 20 different offences listed would prohibit the person from getting a name change.
Saskatchewan Releases New Aquatic Invasive Species Strategy
On February 20th, Environment Minister Dustin Duncan introduced the Government of Saskatchewan’s new Aquatic Invasive Species Strategy during an address to the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation’s (SWF) annual convention in Weyburn.
The ministry and the SWF are partners on the province’s AIS Task Force – which focuses on additional education and monitoring activities – along with other government agencies, conservation groups, non-government organizations and universities.
“This strategy emphasizes the need for collaboration and co-ordination with provincial and federal government agencies, non-government organizations and neighbouring jurisdictions to prevent the introduction and spread of high-risk aquatic invasive species,” Duncan said.
Saskatchewan also partners with the Canada Border Services Agency and other provincial and territorial governments to co-ordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada.
Coroner Raises Public Safety Concern
The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is urging the public to be aware of the danger of illicit or street drugs following two deaths in Regina.
The deaths remain under investigation by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service and Regina Police.
However, preliminary toxicology indicates lethal levels of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
“We know that this can be a fatal combination and that anyone who uses streets drugs is at risk of an overdose,” Chief Coroner Clive Weighill said.
The Regina Police Service says it is aware of 67 instances of non-fatal drug overdoses in Regina since January 1, 2020, in addition to the two deaths currently under investigation.
Saskatchewan residents who are at risk of an opioid overdose or those who might witness an opioid overdose, such as friends and family of people who use opioids, are eligible for a free Take Home Naloxone kit and training on how to use it.
People can find a Take Home Naloxone program near them by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/opioids or calling HealthLine 811. Naloxone reverses the effects of an opioid overdose temporarily, restoring breathing in a few minutes.
It’s important to note that Naloxone treatment itself does not replace the need to seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.
