Mammography in Ontario - The Need for Balance
BRANTFORD, ON, May 24, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS), whose Members are the experts in performing mammographic examinations whether for breast screening or the detection of other breast abnormalities, applauds the Minister, Deb Mathews for her decision to replace computed radiography(CR) mammographic equipment used for breast screening with digital radiography (DR) equipment.
This is a great first step to provide quality care to Ontario patients and is in alignment with our quest to modernize the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act (HARPA) which is an Act while specific to patient radiation safety also contributes to high quality patient care outcomes.
The OAMRS has encouraged Ontario governments past and present to develop a strategic plan related to Diagnostic Imaging (DI) equipment acquisition and replacement in concert with updating the now antiquated and inadequate HARP Act. As the key profession operating DI equipment and providing direct patient care, we eagerly await such a plan and the modernization of the HARPA to ensure safe and cost effective and efficient patient care delivery. DI equipment whether mammography units, CT, MRI, fluoroscopic or general radiography are essential and critical enablers of an effective Ontario health care delivery system. We agree with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) and the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) that a strategic approach needs to be taken in regards to all DI equipment if Ontario, not just mammography units, is to truly provide the health care as articulated in Minister Deb Mathew's "Action Plan for Health Care in Ontario" and the import of the "Excellent Care for All Act, 2010".
Dr. Robin C. Hesler
President & CEO
Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS)
SOURCE: Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences
P.O. Box 1054
Brantford, ON
N3T 5S7
Toll Free: 1-800 387 4674
FAX: (519) 753 6408
Contact: Dr. Robin Hesler
Ext # 104
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