Centric Health Announces Alliance with Prestigious Vancouver Imaging

-Alliance With Premiere Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Group Marks Significant Milestone in Centric Health's Strategy to Partner with Canada's leading Healthcare Professionals -

TORONTO, July 31, 2013 /CNW/ - Centric Health Corporation ("Centric Health" or "the Company") (TSX: CHH), today announced it has established a strategic alliance with Vancouver Imaging ("VI"), a premiere sub-specialty Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Group based in British Columbia, under which VI will provide imaging services at the Company's state-of-the-art False Creek Healthcare Centre ("False Creek") for a period of five years.  In addition, under the alliance, Centric Health and VI will jointly explore other imaging opportunities across Canada.

"Our alliance with the prestigious VI, the largest radiology group in British Columbia, is another example of our commitment to providing patients with access to Canada's leading healthcare professionals at Centric Health's state-of-the-art facilities to consistently exceed their expectations for quality care," said David Cutler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Centric Health Corporation. "Through this innovative partnership, VI will expand its capacity to deliver imaging and related services using our platform while focusing on being at the leading edge of healthcare technology."

"This alliance will provide VI radiologists with access to False Creek's state-of-the-art equipment, including the only GE 3.0 Tesla HDxt MRI for clinical use in BC, exceptional network of specialists, critical care nurses and onsite operating rooms, as we pursue excellence and innovation in the delivery of medical imaging programs and services to patients, clinicians and students," said Hugue Ouellette, CEO, Vancouver Imaging.  "We are proud to partner with Centric Health as we share their commitment to innovation in the delivery of healthcare and to providing the highest quality care with the best possible outcomes.  We look forward to continuing to work with the Centric Health team to explore potential additional imaging opportunities across the country."

Centric Health's Surgical and Medical Centres segment strategy is to develop and implement cost effective, quality-focused, innovative healthcare solutions in partnership with healthcare professionals through effective utilization of existing capacity within the Company's facilities.

Mr. Cutler added, "Within the Surgical and Medical Centres segment of our business, we have established a tremendous foundation from which to generate long-term growth through improved utilization of our facilities.  This alliance is consistent with that objective and provides for additional opportunities at our other facilities across the country going forward."

About Vancouver Imaging 

Vancouver Imaging (VI) is a premiere sub-specialty academic Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Group based in British Columbia.  Its mission is to pursue excellence and innovation in the delivery of medical imaging programs and services to patients, clinicians and students.  The largest radiology group in British Columbia, VI is composed of more than 30 radiologists based out the University of British Columbia Hospital (UBC), Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and False Creek Healthcare Centre, who have had previous professorships or sub-specialty training at institutions such as Harvard Medical School, UCSF, Duke University and Stanford University.  VI is a leader in Radiology Communications and Quality Assurance, the Canadian leader in Emergency care and has an ER-Trauma fellowship training program.  It provides sub-specialty care in Abdomen, Chest, Cardiac, Interventional, Musculoskeletal and Neuroradiology.  Each year, VI accepts more than 20 fellowships from physicians around the world seeking sub-specialty training.

About False Creek Healthcare Centre

Founded in 1996, False Creek Healthcare Centre is more than a medical clinic; it has grown to include medical services such as family practice, urgent care centre, specialist health programs, advanced diagnostics and pathology clinic. False Creek currently has over 60 physicians and surgeons and utilize only the most advanced medical technology.  False Creek Healthcare Centre is home to the first and only GE 3.0 Tesla HDxt MRI system in clinical use in BC. Every one of False Creek's physicians and surgeons are leaders in their fields, chosen for their high professional qualifications and their dedication to the care of others.

About Centric Health 

Centric Health's vision is to be Canada's premier healthcare company, providing innovative solutions centered on patients and healthcare professionals. As a diversified healthcare company with investments in several niche service areas, Centric Health currently has operations in medical assessments, disability and rehabilitation management, physiotherapy and surgical centres, homecare, specialty pharmacy and wellness and prevention. With knowledge and experience of healthcare delivery in international markets and extensive and trusted relationships with payers, physicians, and government agencies, Centric Health is pursuing expansion opportunities into other healthcare sectors to create value for all stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to the highest quality of care. Centric Health is listed on the TSX under the symbol CHH. For further information, please visit www.centrichealth.ca.

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation.  These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding business strategy, plans and other expectations, beliefs, goals, objectives, information and statements about possible future events. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by Centric Health and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits Centric Health will derive there-from. 

SOURCE: Centric Health Corporation

Daniel Gagnon
Chief Financial Officer
Centric Health
416-619-9417
[email protected]

Lawrence Chamberlain
Investor Relations
TMX Equicom
416-815-0700 ext. 257
[email protected]