False Creek Healthcare completes significant upgrade of BC's only clinical 3.0T MRI System

New features offer more advanced scanning capabilities for doctors and an enhanced patient experience at leading private medical centre

VANCOUVER, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - False Creek Healthcare Centre is pleased to announce we have completed a major upgrade of our MRI system, offering patients a better scanning experience and providing doctors with enhanced scan results and increased diagnostic confidence in even the most challenging exams.

Our MRI, a GE Signa HDxt 3.0T MRI, is the ONLY 3.0T MRI in clinical use in BC.

A 3.0T MRI system features a magnet with twice the field strength of a 1.5T MRI system and is used in the newest and most advanced clinical applications. With a 3.0T MRI, images are produced faster and with greater detail. The new upgrade to our system further decreases scan time and motion artifacts while increasing resolution for crisp, clear, high definition images.

Radiologist and Medical Imaging Director Dr. William Yee elaborates, "This upgrade to the only clinical 3.0T MRI magnet in BC offers patients access to enhanced high resolution imaging of all body parts including brain injury, spinal, musculoskeletal and prostate applications. Combined with the expertise of the Vancouver Imaging group of radiologists, patients and physicians will have greater diagnostic confidence and improved outcomes."

Other new features:

• 3D Heart – Cardiac MRI for patients with previous heart attacks. This scan assesses the structure and function of the heart muscle.
• Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) capable of detecting and differentiating micro bleeds and small iron/calcium deposits in the brain for concussion and brain injury patients.
• eDWI Diffusion Weighted imaging for higher sensitivity in a faster scanning time than regular DWI for enhanced scanning of the Brain and Prostate.
• CADstream for enhanced imaging of breast tissue in breast MRI.

Our Radiology team has a wealth of experience. False Creek Healthcare has partnered with the Vancouver Imaging group of expert VGH/UBC sub-specialty radiologists to ensure that each patient scan is read and analyzed by a radiologist with a relevant specialty for that scan.

As always, False Creek Healthcare provides patients with rapid access to scans and results. Appointments are available immediately and results are provided promptly. Your patients will enjoy a comfortable experience at a modern, state of the art facility.

False Creek Healthcare is a multi-disciplinary surgical and urgent care facility, offering significant advantages over other diagnostic centres including:

• On-site ER physicians and proximity to VGH for emergency assessments
• On-site anesthesiologists for sedation
• Usage of enhanced Contrast Agents: Ablavar & Primovist
• Biopsy and Interventional Radiology procedures
• In house GE 64-Slice CT Scanner, Siemens Ultrasound & Digital X-Ray

About False Creek Healthcare Centre
Founded in 1996, False Creek Healthcare is one of Canada's most renowned private health providers. This state-of-the-art centre is more than just a medical clinic; it offers world-class service to individuals seeking immediate access to high quality medical care in Canada, utilizing the most advanced technology and techniques available. A comprehensive vision of care sets it apart, with services such as advanced diagnostics, executive health, family practice, urgent care, surgeons, specialists, plastic surgery and more under one roof. False Creek Healthcare's team of over 100 physicians and surgeons are leaders in their fields, chosen for their professional qualifications and dedication to the care of others. To learn more visit falsecreekhealthcare.com.

About Centric Health
Centric Health is Canada's largest and most comprehensive national provider of healthcare services focused on producing leading patient outcomes and delivering quality, innovation and sustainable value to patients, clients and stakeholders. With more than 3,000 dedicated healthcare professionals, consultants and support staff serving patients and clients through an extensive platform of 500 locations across the country, Centric Health is uniquely positioned to meet growing healthcare needs in key markets. The Company's long-term strategy focuses on organically growing core high-margin business units with strong profitability and targeting select expansion opportunities to further its national reach in the areas of physiotherapy, rehabilitation and assessments, specialty pharmacy services and surgical and medical centres. Centric Health is listed on the TSX under the symbol CHH. For further information, please visit www.centrichealth.ca.

About Vancouver Imaging 
Vancouver Imaging (VI) is the largest 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 serving 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. To learn more visit vancouverimaging.com.

SOURCE False Creek Healthcare Centre

For information, please contact: To learn more about our MRI system call 604.739.9695 or email: Tami Zink [email protected]; Requisition forms can be found on our website at: falsecreekdiagnostics.com; For media enquiries, please contact: Renée Hourigan, Director of Communications, Centric Health, 416-619-9413, [email protected]