Northern Manitoba mobile MRI makes first move in 15 months

Northern Manitoba's mobile MRI has returned to The Pas for the first time since beginning operations in Thompson nearly 15 months ago. The diagnostic imaging equipment began scanning patients in Thompson on June 6, 2025, and has since completed over 3,000 tests, improving access to advanced care for northern residents by reducing travel time.

Dayna McTaggart, a medical radiological technologist and provincial manager for the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists in Manitoba, expressed excitement about the equipment's arrival in The Pas. The mobile MRI unit will rotate between Thompson and The Pas, covering a 400-kilometre distance, to provide equitable access to diagnostic services for northern communities.

While staffing the mobile MRI unit has posed challenges, McTaggart noted that return of service agreements have led to the hiring of full-time staff from Thompson who travel with the unit. The MRI will likely remain in The Pas during winter months, parked at a location to establish patient protection zones. Patients are encouraged to discuss the mobile MRI with their health-care providers for diagnostic imaging needs.