Page 5 of 9: MRI staffing update

Following our previous communication in May 2022 regarding the staffing shortage in our Medical Imaging department, I am pleased to share an update on significant strides we have taken to improve the situation. Effective immediately, we are happy to accept your MRI referrals.

To overcome our challenges, we have begun several important and exciting initiatives:

1. We have initiated an upskilling program called ‘Grow Your Own’, which focuses on training new imaging technologists for MRI services. This has already enabled a transition of several of our technologists from other modalities into MRI and it will help us to restore MRI shifts that were lost last year.
2. We have implemented advanced machine learning and AI algorithms to shorten MRI scan times, allowing us to accommodate more scans within the same time-frame.
3. We have secured an agency technologist workforce to bolster our staffing levels, ensuring consistent service for our patients.

Finally, we have business plans to acquire additional MRI machines to enhance our capacity to serve more patients, focusing on strategic patient populations.

We are aware of the current backlog, and our increased capacity will be dedicated to addressing this. We will soon be rolling out a new appointment notification and reminder service to reduce the administrative burden on you, our referring clinicians, and to expedite urgent cases. We have made enormous progress since last year, and our wait times for MRI are now among the best in the GTA.

Given these enhancements, please consider these actions:

1. For both urgent and non-urgent MRI cases, please refer to St. Michael's Hospital.
2. Continue to reinforce with patients the importance of attending their scheduled appointments.

Your ongoing patience and understanding has been greatly appreciated and we are happy to report that the situation in MRI has improved significantly since last year. Our department is working very hard to meet growing demands for MRI services, including our outstanding subspecialty radiologists, who are here to serve you.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to provide optimal patient care.