A clarification about access to MRI services for Islanders

Health PEI would like to clarify some points about access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans for Islanders.  

To receive an MRI or any other diagnostic imaging service paid for by the public healthcare system, you must have a requisition from a specialist physician. Health PEI currently operates one MRI scanner, located at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. We also have a contract with a facility in Moncton to provide low-urgency MRI scans for referred Islanders to help alleviate the backlog of patients waiting for a scan. Since February 18, 2025, more than 1500 patients have had MRI scans at the Moncton clinic.

Health PEI does not have a relationship with the new private MRI clinic in Summerside. Health PEI has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking proponents who can provide qualified contingency services.   

Patients requiring an MRI should speak with a physician or nurse practitioner. For more information on the Moncton Private MRI Program, visit the program web site. Health PEI shares our MRI wait times publicly and they are available here. 

Media contact:  
Dave Atkinson
Senior Communications Officer, Health PEI  
datkinson@ihis.org