March 22, 2004

 Jameson Health System Announces Addition of Open MRI,
Two Ultrasound Units and Upgrades to CT Scanner

             New Castle, PA – The Jameson Health System Board of Directors has approved multiple technology upgrades to medical imaging services with the addition of a new 1.0 OPEN MRI and two new ultrasound units.  The Imaging Department will also move into a PACS (Picture Archive and Communications Systems) which will begin the steps into the future for film less and paperless records.

            The Board of Directors also approved the purchase of a new 1.0 high field OPEN MRI and an upgrade to the present 1.5 high field MRI.  With this new technology the procedure times will be shortened, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient and increase the number of procedures per day that can be scheduled.  This unit will replace the low field OPEN MRI that has been available and will provide the only high field OPEN MRI in the community and surrounding area.  This is the most advanced OPEN MRI on the market, providing our community with improved image quality in the OPEN MRI service.

            A major upgrade has already been made to the CT department.  The present multi 4 slice Toshiba CT scanner has been upgraded to a 16-slice scanner.  This new technology increases the speed at which imaging data is acquired.  The quicker scanning times and improved image quality make the procedure easier and safer for the patients by decreasing the effects of patient motion.

            The new CT technology also includes a new three dimensional (3D) workstation that allows the physician to view immediate 3D reconstructions of the patient’s anatomy.  A very beneficial technique for orthopedic, vascular and trauma cases.

            Two additional ultrasound machines have been purchased to keep up with the growing demand for ultrasound testing that can take up to an hour to perform.  One unit will be utilized for cardiac ultrasound and the other for general ultrasound procedures.  The addition of these two units will enhance the imaging quality at Jameson, plus increase the scheduling capacity for procedures, thus decreasing the scheduling backlog and allow for more immediate scheduling.

PACS is the term for electronically storing and moving both the imaging pictures, films, and the reports on a computer system.  By moving towards a PACS system, Jameson Health System physicians and caregivers will have access to both films and reports “ON LINE” or through the computer systems.  This will increase the efficiency and improve services to patients and physicians.

            The Jameson Health System continues the tradition of leadership in community health to improve the quality of life and the health status of the people in our community.

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