A new mobile magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit has arrived at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Fraser Health announced the new, $3.3-million unit in a release Monday (March 17), saying the news will ensure patients have uninterrupted access to vital diagnostic services while work continues on two new advanced MRI scanners for the imaging department.

鈥淭his new MRI unit is a significant step forward in ensuring that our community continues to receive timely, high-quality care," said Amna Shah, MLA for Surrey City Centre, in a release.

"With over 10,000 MRI scans conducted annually at Surrey Memorial, this mobile MRI unit is an invaluable addition, helping reduce wait times and improving access to life-saving imaging for residents of Surrey and neighbouring communities."

The new MRI is inside a 15-metre trailer located behind the critical care tower at the north end of the hospital campus and is expected to begin seeing patients in late July, once construction and necessary testing and permitting is complete, the release noted.

The GE Signa Voyager 1.5T MRI System accommodates children and adults, is quieter than older machines, produces sharper images and reduces scan times.

鈥淎ccess to timely diagnostics and treatment is a key pillar of our health-care system,鈥� said provincial Minister of Health Josie Osborne in the release.

Advanced MRIs can help detect abnormalities of the brain and spine, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body. MRI is used to detect cancers in the breast, brain, abdomen, prostate, and lymph nodes, as well as cardiac and neurological diseases.

Fraser Health interim president and CEO Dr. Lynn Stevenson said the new unit is necessary while upgrades are underway. 

鈥淓nsuring continuity of care during hospital construction requires careful planning and creative solutions like the new mobile MRI unit,鈥� Stevenson said in the release.