The mobile MRI unit that spent more than a year serving patients in Thompson has now begun the next stage of its northern rotation.

The unit began taking patients at St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas on Monday after completing more than 3,000 diagnostic scans during its time in Thompson.

The province says the service has helped cut down long-distance travel for patients from communities including Thompson, Flin Flon, The Pas, Split Lake, Cross Lake and Gillam.

Moving forward, the mobile MRI will travel between Thompson and The Pas on a recurring rotation, providing northern patients with access to diagnostic imaging closer to home.