Gélinas calls for mobile PET scanner in Sudbury

Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas has called on the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to make a mobile positron emission topography (PET) scanner available in Sudbury.

“Ontarians living in the North Eastern region of the province still do not have access to this technology without traveling long distances,” Gélinas said in the Ontario Legislature Thursday morning. “Mobile PET scans are becoming more frequently used in Ontario, but we need your permission before it can come to Northeastern Ontario.”

PET scans are a three-dimensional imaging technology that aid in diagnosing cancers and heart problems. Sam Bruno, who lost his battle with cancer at 55, was a strong advocate for bringing a PET scanner to the Sudbury region.

Thursday night hundreds of people will join the family and friends of Sam Bruno for their sixth annual fundraising gala to help secure access to the lifesaving technology.

To date, the Sam Bruno PET Scanner Steering Committee has raised more than $822,000 to purchase a permanent PET scanner for Sudbury, but the machines cost more than $3.5 million.

Advocates see a mobile scanner as a placeholder for a permanent machine.

“The mobile PET scanner will not cost Heath Sciences North a penny,” Gélinas said. “It will not add to the provincial budget expenses, but it will bring fairness and equitable access to this technology.”