Provincial Mobile X-ray Program

With a strong focus on enhancing patient-centered care, the Provincial Mobile X-ray Program provides residents of all long-term care homes in Prince Edward Island with quality diagnostic imaging service in the care home. Providing an option for residents to receive an X-ray in the home that is delivered by trained medical radiation technologists from Health PEI’s diagnostic imaging service, the program will remove stress and discomfort from traveling to and from hospital.

The Mobile X-ray Program will be available to all long-term care homes (both public and privately-run) across Prince Edward Island in a phased approach starting in 2025. Residents of long-term care homes and their families will be notified as the service becomes available at their care home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mobile X-ray?

An X-ray machine that is on wheels and brought directly to a resident in their care home. Most X-rays that are done at the hospital can be performed with a mobile X-ray machine.

Who can have a mobile X-Ray?  

Residents who live in a long-term care home may qualify for the service. Decisions about who qualifies will be based on X-ray urgency, the type of X-ray required, and the resident’s current health status.

What types of X-rays can be performed by the mobile X-ray service?

Most X-rays can be performed by the mobile service. However, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs cannot be performed by the mobile service. Residents who require these specific diagnostic imaging procedures will still need to go to hospital.

Is the quality of a mobile X-ray the same as X-rays done at the hospital? 

There is very little difference between the quality of the mobile X-ray compared to a portable X-ray performed in the hospital. Mobile X-rays are subject to the same quality and safety standards as the portable X-ray machines used in hospitals. Mobile X-rays are performed by the same certified medical radiation technologists who work at the hospital. The same doctors who review X-rays in the hospital will review the mobile X-rays.

Will this service replace the need for residents to be transferred to hospital for an X-ray?

While some hospital transfers may be avoided, some residents will still be required to go to hospital for an X-ray. Transfer decisions will be made in consultation with health care staff and family and will be based on urgency, the resident’s care preferences and health status—including the results of the mobile X-Ray.

How long will it take to get the results from a mobile X-Ray?

Results from the mobile X-ray may take the same amount of time as an X-ray performed at the hospital. The exact time will depend on the reason for the X-ray, the resident’s current condition, and the workload of the physician who reviews the X-ray.

What if a resident/family prefers to have an X-ray performed at the hospital?

Care providers will recommend the mobile X-ray service when they feel it is the best option for the resident. The mobile X-ray image quality is the same as the portable X-ray equipment used in hospitals. Providing X-rays within the home removes stress, inconvenience, and discomfort from travelling to and from the hospital.

Residents and their families are encouraged to speak with their health care team at the home if they have any further questions or concerns.

Is there a cost associated with using the mobile X-Ray service?

The mobile X-ray service is part of the public health care already available in Prince Edward Island. There are no costs to residents or long-term care homes associated with this service.