March 21. 2006
Medical Imaging System
Members Statements [click to view video]

M. Polak: I rise today to tell this House about an exciting innovation in medical imaging taking place in the Fraser Health Authority. The picture archiving and communication system, or PACS, is a filmless medical imaging system. PACS is a computer system that allows the digital capture, storage and transmission of medical images.

          Through PACS, a network of computer servers and web-based work stations are interfaced with hospital diagnostic imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI and ultrasound. Once the images are stored, physicians are able to review their patients' films at any location within the health authority, as well as in their own offices and even from their homes when they're on call. Teams of physicians in different locations are able to view the same patient films as they discuss treatment and diagnostic issues. Patients will no longer have to pick up films before a doctor's appointment. Duplication of exams will be reduced, as every examination performed at any FHA site will be included in a patient's record at their local hospital and will be readily accessible by physicians.

          As PACS is implemented across the province, it will also enhance access to quality health care for residents of rural British Columbia. For example, someone injured in a remote location can have their images viewed by physicians and specialists in a larger centre without having to wait for those images to be physically transported.

          PACS went live at Langley Memorial Hospital on October 18, 2005. Along with other sites in the Fraser Health Authority, Langley is part of an exciting new era of technology for Fraser Health. Clearly, the increased efficiency provided by innovations such as PACS will assist our province as we face the challenges of a quickly changing health care environment.