Access to timely medical imaging can be life-changing. For many patients, an MRI is a critical step in diagnosing illness, guiding treatment decisions, and providing clarity during what can be an anxious time. In recent years, however, rising demand and ongoing staffing shortages pushed MRI wait times in New Brunswick well beyond national benchmarks.

Thanks to donor generosity, that reality is beginning to change.

Turning generosity into faster, more reliable care

In early 2024, MRI wait times across the province reached record highs. Recognizing the urgent need for action, donor support helped launch a focused, province-wide effort to strengthen MRI services across Horizon Health Network.

This two-year investment is designed to create lasting improvements by addressing the root causes of long wait times. Support has been directed toward three key areas that directly influence patient access and system efficiency:

• Recruiting and retaining additional MRI technologists
• Expanding training and upskilling opportunities for diagnostic imaging staff
• Modernizing how MRI referrals and bookings are managed

Together, these investments are helping build a more resilient and responsive MRI system for patients across New Brunswick.

More capacity means more patients served

Because of donor support, MRI services have expanded significantly in regions across the province. Diagnostic imaging departments are now operating extended hours in most areas, allowing more patients to be seen each day and helping to work through long-standing backlogs.

This investment has led to a 40% reduction in non-urgent MRI wait times, giving thousands of patients faster access to answers, diagnoses, and care.

Real progress on wait times

The impact of these changes is being felt by patients and families. Shorter wait times mean less uncertainty, quicker diagnoses, and earlier treatment decisions for those waiting for non-urgent MRI exams. While continued progress is needed, the momentum demonstrates what is possible when targeted investments are made.

Building smarter systems for the future

Donor support is also helping modernize the systems behind the scenes. A new digital requisition management solution is replacing manual, paper-based workflows, improving how MRI referrals are received, prioritized, and scheduled.

This technology is expected to reduce delays, improve coordination between care teams, and ensure MRI capacity is used as efficiently as possible, helping more patients access timely imaging now and into the future.

Why this matters to patients

Timely diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in effective health care. Faster access to MRI scans can lead to earlier diagnoses, quicker treatment decisions, and improved outcomes. It also reduces uncertainty and stress for patients and families waiting for critical information.

The impact of donor support

In just the first year of this donor-supported initiative, meaningful progress has been made across New Brunswick. Wait times are coming down, access to care is improving, and systems are being strengthened for long-term sustainability.

This is the power of philanthropy at work.

Because of donor support, New Brunswickers are seeing real improvements in access to diagnostic imaging, and that progress will continue to grow in the years ahead.