WAYNESBORO- Wellspan is quite proud of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine recently installed at the Waynesboro Hospital. Justifiably so.
The new 8,400 pound GE unit was lowered to it’s current location, going on line on May 2, 2023. It replaced the portable MRI that was a fixture at the hospital for many years.
Why is this important to the area? An MRI takes pictures of your internal organs without needing an operation, or being stuck or probed. You literally lay still on a platform while the machine takes pictures. The medical staff can see much more clearly what is happening internally than with other scanning techniques.
“This new unit is so much better than the portable” said Crystal Bassham, Lead MRI Technologist for the MRI operating team. “It was good to have the portable, but it had many limitations.”
“Patients need to be still for the imaging” said Bassham. “The old unit was mounted in a trailor and was a bit claustrophobic for some (both the trailor and the MRI). It took a long time to take a picture, and even longer to get it interpreted. And there were some patients with ventilators and other essential equipment who simply had to be taken to Chambersburg or elsewhere, even if the need was critical, because the machine would not work with such equipment.”
“All that is now changed” according to Ruth Myers, Director of Imaging Services. The new MRI was part of a $2.5M renovation. The renovation cleared out administrative space and was reconfigured for the MRI. “That meant there was enough space to make this a welcoming experience.” That extra space extends to the machine itself which features a larger 70 cm (27.56 inch) bore where the imaging takes place.”
Another part of the package was mood and entertainment controls. “This is especially important for kids, but has benefits for adults as well” said Bassham. Patients need to lie down on the table and remain very still, even holding their breath for a few moments as the table moves them through the imaging section. “It helps to have soothing colors and a quiet sound track playing. For kids, we can even stream their favorite programs.”
“Patients are amazed at how fast it works” said Imaging Technologist Shawnna Carbaugh.
“That and the better quality of images makes a big difference.” said Myers. “We’ve done 300 patients since May. Not only is the imaging faster, but we can get a picture interpreted in 30 minutes.”
All of this has a big impact on the surrounding area. Faster imaging means more patients a day and a quicker response when doctors and medical staff need to know how to proceed. The larger bore and newer technology allow patients to remain in Waynesboro instead of being sent to Chambersburg or elsewhere, even if they are ventilated. Patients are calmer and better able to work with the imaging team which is better able to work their magic. Better care across the board.
It’s a good sign that Wellspan is investing in state of the art technologies that will provide benefits for the local area for many years to come.
