I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker, I thought the Clerk was going to read it. I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Robert Hawkins on March 4, 2010, regarding radiologists contract status.
In 2009 the Diagnostic Imaging Pictures Archiving and Communications System, known as DI/PACS, was implemented in the Northwest Territories. The DI/PACS allows for radiology examinations to be stored and retrieved in a digital format. The DI/PACS also allows for X-ray images to be sent over a secure Internet connection to other health care providers. With the addition of this technology the NWT had an opportunity to look at the service delivery model used in the Northwest Territories to see if there were opportunities to enhance radiology services.
In mid-2009 the decision to change the service delivery model was made to have one locum radiologist on site -- one currently provided 26 weeks of the year, and the balance is covered by repeating locums -- to provide on-the-ground support for the physicians and diagnostic imaging staff.
A second radiologist service provided remotely uses the DI/PACS technology. This service allows for 24-hour/seven days a week, 52-weeks of the year, thereby providing better radiologist coverage for the residents of the Northwest Territories.
A request for proposals was issued for remote radiology services in late 2009 and the contract was awarded to Radiology Consultants Associated Organization located in Calgary, Alberta. The remote services started in January 2010 and the feedback on the service being provided has been excellent. Stanton Territorial Health Authority is not aware of any dispute regarding this contract or any previous radiologist contracts.
