The NDP’s Saskatchewan Health Critic feels northern patients are still not getting adequate access to important health services including MRI’s. Saskatoon Fairview M-L-A Vicki Mowat says that was the message during a visit to Prince Albert. She believes Regina is the only area benefiting from the addition of private MRI services. There are two private facilities in Regina in addition to three spread between hospitals in that city and Moose Jaw. Mowat says since the four scanners in Saskatoon hospitals are also serving patients from Prince Albert and communities farther north wait times are not being reduced. The Ministry of Health says it works with the Saskatchewan Health Authority on diagnostic services and decisions on their locations are based on regional populations, staffing and budgets. The ministry’s written statement also indicates they are considering adding an MRI scanner as part of potential redevelopment plans at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.