Diagnostic imaging plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare, helping clinicians identify and treat a wide range of medical conditions with precision and confidence. In Halifax, the Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging services part of the Why Wait Imaging Centre — are central to delivering life-saving diagnostics to thousands of patients annually. But with evolving technology, increasing demand, and ongoing system enhancements, patients often have questions about what imaging services are available, how they work, and what recent improvements mean for care.

This guide covers everything you need to know about diagnostic imaging at Halifax Infirmary including services offered, recent upgrades, wait time context, and practical tips for navigating the system.

What Is Diagnostic Imaging at Halifax Infirmary?

Diagnostic imaging refers to a suite of medical tests that create visual representations of the inside of the body. These images help healthcare providers diagnose illness, track treatment progress, and plan interventions. At Halifax Infirmary, diagnostic imaging encompasses:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  
  

• Ultrasound scans
  
  

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
  
  

• X-rays
  
  

• Nuclear medicine scans such as SPECT/CT

These technologies allow clinicians to assess everything from soft tissue injuries and neurological disorders to cancer and cardiovascular disease — all without invasive procedures.

Whether you’re referred for an MRI of the brain or an ultrasound of the abdomen, Halifax Infirmary’s diagnostic imaging services are designed to provide accurate and timely results that guide effective care.

Recent Upgrades: New MRI Suites and Advanced Scanners

One of the most significant developments in recent years for Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging has been the investment in cutting-edge MRI technology. In September 2024, a new MRI suite opened at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, featuring a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. This facility offers higher-resolution imaging, improved patient comfort, and more efficient workflows for a broad range of clinical needs — from neurology to orthopaedics. The suite also includes a second MRI, rated at 3 Tesla, which is expected to be fully operational in mid-October, further expanding capacity and speed of diagnostics.

These upgraded MRI systems offer several advantages for patients, including:

• Faster scan times, meaning more patients can be seen per day
  
  

• Improved image clarity, enabling more precise diagnoses
  
  

• Enhanced comfort features that reduce anxiety during scans

The expansion reflects Nova Scotia’s commitment to improving diagnostic imaging services and reducing wait times for critical tests.

Other High-Tech Diagnostic Tools at Halifax Infirmary

Diagnostic imaging isn’t limited to MRI. Halifax Infirmary recently became the first health centre in Canada to acquire an advanced StarGuide SPECT/CT scanner, enhancing nuclear medicine capabilities. This innovative scanner combines single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with CT imaging, offering 3D diagnostic views that are particularly valuable in detecting and managing conditions like cancer and heart disease. 

Additionally, the hospital has integrated hybrid operating rooms equipped with advanced imaging tools that allow surgeons to perform complex procedures and imaging simultaneously — a major benefit for patient safety and surgical outcomes.

These investments make Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging one of the most advanced services in Atlantic Canada, enabling more accurate diagnostics and improved treatment planning.

Wait Times: What Patients Should Know

Access to diagnostic imaging — especially MRI and ultrasound — is a topic of intense public interest. Many patients throughout Nova Scotia, including in Halifax, have experienced long waits for routine imaging referrals due to high demand and workforce challenges.

While specific hospital wait times fluctuate and are managed centrally through Nova Scotia Health, several system-wide initiatives are designed to improve access:

1. More Equipment Means More Capacity

In addition to the new MRI suite at Halifax Infirmary, four new MRI machines are being introduced across Nova Scotia, including two that will replace aging units at Halifax and Dartmouth. These machines are expected to significantly boost capacity and reduce bottlenecks. 

2. eReferrals and Waitlist Coordination

Nova Scotia Health has implemented electronic referrals (eReferrals) for MRI and ultrasound, which help streamline scheduling, avoid duplicate submissions, and improve communication between providers and patients. By creating a more coordinated waitlist system, the goal is to ensure appointments are scheduled more quickly and efficiently. 

3. Rescheduling Supports

A toll-free rescheduling line (1-844-I-REBOOK) helps patients who can’t attend their imaging appointments to cancel or reschedule without losing their spot. This reduces missed appointments and can help shorten wait lists.

Despite these improvements, some patients continue to report extended waits — especially for non-urgent ultrasounds reflecting broader system pressures and staffing constraints in diagnostic imaging services. 

How Diagnostic Imaging Works: From Referral to Report

Understanding the diagnostic imaging process can help reduce anxiety and improve preparedness. Here’s a step-by-step look at how services typically work at Halifax Infirmary:

Step 1: Referral

Your healthcare provider (e.g., family doctor or specialist) will issue a referral for a specific imaging test based on your symptoms or clinical needs.

Step 2: Scheduling

The referral is routed through the diagnostic imaging booking system, which schedules your test based on urgency and available slots. With eReferrals, both you and your provider can receive appointment notifications.

Step 3: Preparing for Your Scan

Different imaging tests have different preparation requirements — for example, fasting before certain MRI scans. Always follow your provider’s instructions carefully.

Step 4: The Imaging Appointment

Diagnostic imaging technologists will perform your scan. These professionals are trained to use advanced imaging equipment safely and effectively.

Step 5: Interpretation & Reporting

Once the images are captured, radiologists interpret the results and generate a report. This report is then sent to your referring clinician, who will discuss findings and next steps with you.

Recent patient reports suggest that while clinicians may receive reports quickly, patient access via apps like YourHealthNS may take one to two weeks — depending on review workflows. 

Tips for Navigating Diagnostic Imaging Services at Halifax Infirmary

Here are practical strategies to help you get the most out of your imaging experience:

✔ Ask About Urgency Designation

If your condition is time-sensitive, ensure your referring doctor marks your referral with the appropriate urgency level.

✔ Confirm Contact Information

Ensure your provider has your correct email and phone number so you receive appointment details and reminders.

✔ Use the Rescheduling Line if Needed

If you can’t make an imaging appointment, call 1-844-I-REBOOK to avoid unnecessarily delaying others and potentially freeing up faster slots. 

✔ Clarify Report Timing

Ask your clinician how long it typically takes to receive and discuss imaging results, so you know what to expect.

The Future of Halifax Infirmary Diagnostic Imaging

The broader QEII Halifax Infirmary campus is undergoing a major expansion under Nova Scotia’s healthcare infrastructure plan, set to transform emergency, surgical, and diagnostic spaces. This includes expanded imaging capabilities, upgraded facilities, and modernized workflows designed to enhance patient care and support recruitment of specialized staff. 

These long-term investments signal a strong commitment to improved access and quality for Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging and related services.

Conclusion

Diagnostic imaging at Halifax Infirmary plays an essential role in modern medical care — offering MRI, ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine, and more with advanced technology and specialized expertise. While patients sometimes face wait times, ongoing investments in equipment, coordination tools like eReferrals, and system improvements are helping to reduce delays and enhance access.

Whether you’re approaching your first scan or returning for follow-up imaging, understanding how the process works and what resources are available can empower you to navigate Halifax Infirmary diagnostic imaging with confidence and clarity. If you have questions about your imaging referral or report timeline, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider — they’re there to help guide you through each step of your care journey.