The Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is advocating for an MRI unit to be included in the new Portage District General Hospital. Advocacy chair and vice-president Jamie Bernard notes that a brand-new $455 million hospital should have an MRI unit.
“The closest MRI right now, to my knowledge, is either in Dauphin or Boundary Trails. People travel all the time to get MRIs. So why not have them travel to Portage, spend money here, stay overnight, and visit restaurants, coffee shops, or shop instead of spending elsewhere?”
Bernard highlights the potential economic benefits.
“We could have people staying in hotel rooms for multiple days if they’re getting MRIs more than once, which many do—often scheduled every couple of years or annually. And while they’re here, their significant other might go shopping or have lunch at a local restaurant. They’d be spending money here, where they wouldn’t normally.”
The Chamber meets monthly and holds additional advocacy meetings, including with the City and Rural Municipality.
“This is top of mind for everyone. People are travelling out of Portage to get MRIs. Some are even going to North Dakota to get them within a few weeks, or travelling as far as Quebec. All that spending is happening outside of Portage instead of here.”
Bernard says Portage-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie and Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza have discussed the issue with the local Chamber.
“There are lots of groups on board, not just the Chamber. The Hospital Foundation is willing to cover the cost of the MRI machine. I believe some First Nations communities and possibly the Manitoba Métis Federation are also on board. We have a unique advantage here: Southport could land thousands of MedEvacs each year, and it’s less than five kilometres from the runway to the MRI machine if it’s installed.”
Bernard notes that some people are already prepared to start the training required to become MRI technologists, a process that takes eight months.
“The hospital isn’t opening until late 2025. If they gave the green light now, these people could be trained. The 35 doctors in Portage, who I know want the MRI, and the Hospital Foundation are ready to pay for it all. I’ve also heard that some First Nations communities are willing to pay for the training.”
He adds that it’s alarming to know there’s a waiting list of 24,000 people for MRIs.
“We’re getting a brand-new facility. New facilities attract staff to relocate. Why wouldn’t the province even discuss putting an MRI here? To my understanding, the Health Minister won’t even come out.”
Bernard mentions that around 50 letters have been sent to the Health Minister and Deputy Minister, but there hasn’t been any indication of a potential meeting.
“We’re building a state-of-the-art hospital, which is long overdue, and the Hospital Foundation is ready to put in $5 million. I wouldn’t be surprised if, with meetings, there could be even more funding. But we need the government to come out here.”
He says that waiting until the hospital is finished would mean spending an additional $3 to $5 million to install the MRI unit after the fact.
“I just don’t understand why they wouldn’t do it now, and do it right the first time. This isn’t about any political party; it’s about the health of people in the Portage region and Manitoba. An MRI can detect cancer very early, and if you wait six, nine, or twelve months, it might impact your life.”
In closing, Bernard adds that residents in northern Manitoba who need an MRI could easily fly into Southport and be quickly transported to the hospital, which is less than five kilometres away.