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(Dr. Cam Simone's goals are to fast-track those with lengthy wait times)

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A mobile MRI unit is coming to Newfoundland and Labrador within the next year, and possibly sooner.

Clinical director for On-Site Medical Dr. Cam Simone said the project is in its early stages but is progressing steadily.

“It' s not a lengthy process by any stretch, we want to ensure that we get the right machine and that all of its processes are set up to provide services,” said Simone.

Bringing a mobile MRI unit to the province, Simone said is needed because there aren't enough MRIs currently to meet the demand.

'Creating better access'

Right now, the province has five MRI machines — three in St. John’s, one in Gander and the fifth in Corner Brook.

The provincial government recently announced an additional three machines will be added throughout the province.

The three new machines will be fully functional by the end of 2025, according to the Department of Health and Community Services.

Simone said thousands of people are waiting for an MRI, with the wait time ranging from nine months to a year and a half.

Bringing the mobile unit here, he added, is a way to reduce wait times and create better access.

Simone believes those waiting for MRIs need to be seen sooner.

“We're losing individuals that are either going to Nova Scotia or other provinces, just to expedite their right for this,” said Simone.

“Newfoundlanders should have the same access towards these services that others throughout the country have.”

This MRI machine is the same as the one used at the Health Sciences Centre in       St. John’s. 

'Here to help'

Simone said that services will be covered by third-party insurers, and for self-paying clients, the cost is tax-deductible.

He added if some people don’t have the means, he would provide the service pro bono.

“We’re here to help people,” said Simone.

While there are no plans currently to do so, Simone is open to partnerships with the health authority as well as the provincial government.

“If the hospital turns around and says, ‘We have an emergency,’ I’ll say, ‘Go ahead.’ We are more than happy to work with them,” said Simone.

In addition to more mobile MRI units in the future if this one is successful, he may consider other specialty trailers as well.

The mobile MRI unit is part of Simone’s long-term vision of creating a "multidisciplinary umbrella" to consolidate care.

“Instead of having people going over here and then down there and back over here, especially when they’re in pain, the last thing they have is energy to be running around and waiting,” said Simone.

“We want to cut back on waiting times and give people the services they need and deserve.”

Privatized MRIs not allowed

Because the province doesn't allow privatized MRIs, one might wonder how Simone plans to operate his mobile MRI.

Simone said because the MRI unit does not emit radiation it is exempt from certain regulations and he anticipates zero problems in setting up the service.

“Number one — they can’t really stop us because we are not emitting radioactive material in people. So, with respect to regulation under the radiology, it’s outside of that,” said Simone.

“It would be different if it did emit radioactive material but MRI does not do that.”

Department of Health statement

The Department of Health and Community Services issued a statement to The Telegram around regulations and policies for MRI operations in the province.

According to the statement, diagnostic facilities require ministerial approval to operate in Newfoundland and Labrador as per the Diagnostic and Public Health Laboratories Regulations.

The statement added that charging patients for medically necessary services may violate N.L.’s Medical Care and Hospital Insurance Act.

“The Department of Health and Community Services supports coverage of insured medical services in approved facilities at no cost to patients,” read the statement.

“Medically necessary MRIs are covered by MCP; the province does not provide coverage for non-insured services.”

Efforts already underway

The statement also touched on efforts already in place to alleviate the current wait times faced by people in the province.

These efforts include expanding hours of service, a second MRI scanner in the new Corner Brook hospital and new software that allows more patients to be seen.

“Steps are also being taken to increase capacity by adding two additional MRI scanners at the Ambulatory Health Hub, which is projected to open mid-2025,” read the statement.

“And a replacement of the current MRI scanner in Gander.”

Cameron Kilfoy | Posted: Posted: Nov. 21, 2024, 7:48 a.m. | Updated: Nov. 21, 2024, 7:48 a.m. | 5 Min. Read

What's a mobile MRI?

According to Simone, a mobile MRI unit, which costs between $500,000 and $1 million, operates like a traditional MRI and offers the same capabilities.

The only difference is it’s in a trailer, similar to a construction trailer, but Simone said it isn’t intended to move — the unit is stationary.

Mobile MRI units, Simone said, aren't uncommon, and a lot of provinces use them. Typically, the units are based outside of a hospital, however, Simone's won't be.

Simone isn't sure where he plans to place it but he said it would be on the Avalon.

“That’s where a majority of the population is, and we want to make it more convenient for them,” said Simone.

If successful, he does plan to expand adding more mobile machines in places such as Gander.

'Will run 24/7'

Simone isn't afraid to run the machine 24 hours a day, seven days a week, saying he has the capacity to do so. Simone's goal is to fast-track individuals with lengthy wait times.

“If you have an MRI booked at 10 a.m., and someone then comes in with catastrophic injuries, they’re going to get bumped to the front,” said Simone.“Then the wait starts again. When this unit comes, if you come to us, we will get it done.

”“We want to cut back on waiting times and give people the services they need and deserve" -Cam Simone

On-Site Medical's Clinical Director, Dr. Cam Simone