MPP Gates fighting for local access to MRI services for residents

NIAGARA FALLS – NDP MPP Wayne Gates is calling on the provincial government to provide additional funding and resources to address wait times for MRIs in Niagara, so that Niagara residents are able to access local MRI services in a timely manner.

“Our office has heard directly from several constituents in Niagara Falls just this week, that have had to travel as far as Mississauga, and in some cases the United States in order to get timely access to an MRI”, said Gates. “They would be forced to wait upwards of a year to get an MRI appointment in Niagara. I have heard directly from seniors who have had to book hotel rooms in the GTA so they could get an MRI appointment as soon as possible, because they couldn’t access this service close to home in Niagara.”

Earlier this year, MPP Gates addressed the staggering 306-day wait time for MRIs in the province at the Ontario Legislature – which has been closed by the Ford Conservatives until late October. Gates has worked to secure additional funding for MRI services, but residents are still facing lengthy delays.

“The provincial government must ensure residents across Ontario, including in Niagara, have 24/7 access to MRI and CT services and must address the shortage of MRI technologists," said Gates. "This is a problem that must be addressed through investment in front-line public health care – not more privatization.”