Mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) service for patients in Campbell River, the Comox Valley, Port Alberni and Duncan is getting closer with the selection of Philips Healthcare to provide the MRI system and Advance Mobility Specialty Vehicles to provide the trailer that will transport the equipment between these Vancouver Island communities.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority received three qualified responses to the RFP. An Island-wide selection committee that included radiologist representation from the four communities set to receive mobile MRI service participated in the vender selection. The proposals were evaluated based on technology, image quality, ease of use, user references, service support and price.
“This will be the first system of its kind to be installed in a trailer in North America,” said Dr. John Mathieson, VIHA Medical Director of Medical Imaging. “The image quality is absolutely superb.”
VIHA had anticipated the start date for the mobile service would be summer 2012.
However, the vendor must go through an internal certification process before releasing the equipment to ensure quality and safety standards are met. Delivery is now slated for October 1, 2012. The vendor will provide an interim mobile MRI system should there be delays beyond the Oct. 1 delivery date.
“The selection committee unanimously felt it was better to accept a short delay in service start up in order to get the next-generation technology,” said Mathieson.
Final purchase price was approximately $1.9 million for the MRI system including the trailer.