A mobile X-ray initiative is expanding to long-term care homes provincewide.

The province announced a $1.1-million investment in the project on Monday.

It will allow nursing home residents to be tested in place rather than going to the hospital.

In addition, the program is also designed to free up ambulances for other emergencies.

“Having mobile X-ray services will help provide necessary care to those living in long-term care homes, leading to healthier outcomes,” Health Minister Bruce Fitch said in a news release.

The new program follows a months-long pilot project in the Saint John region led by Loch Lomond Villa.

Mobile X-ray services were provided to select nursing homes and special care homes in the area from May 2022 until March 31, 2023.

During that time, 360 residents benefitted from the service for a total of 525 images. Seventeen of the 360 residents required a transfer after the mobile X-ray, meaning 343 transports were avoided.

“This service will be instrumental in providing quality care for residents living in a long-term care setting,” said Ginette Pellerin, vice president of the Extra-Mural Program, which will offer the service.

Diagnostic imaging technologists will be provided by the province’s two regional health authorities.

According to a news release, service delivery will “gradually be rolled out” by health zone, based on recruitment opportunities.