North Adams Hospital Installs New MRI Scanner
 NARH Chief of Radiology Dr. Jeffrey Bath, left, lead technologist William Bourbeau, radiologist Dr. Brian McElaney and technologist Ann Connors with the recently installed large-bore MRI unit. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams Regional Hospital has installed the region's first large-bore high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit.
The Philips Ingenia system is designed to perform high-quality MR scans with a high level of patient comfort. The large-bore design makes Ingenia less confining than other MRI systems, and can reduce exam time.
The community is invited to an open house to learn more about the new unit on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the hospital. The open house will include free refreshments and raffles.
"We're very excited to introduce this new service to the region," said Dr. Brian McElaney, a radiologist at NARH who is leading the MRI project. "The Ingenia MRI incorporates break-through technologies designed to deliver exceptional image clarity, and the wide opening can accommodate patients of varying size and physical condition. It is a more attractive option for many people. I expect that many patients will find this a better experience."
The unit can accommodate weights up to 550 pounds.
"The Ingenia image quality is excellent and it's fast," said McElaney. "The Ingenia gives our radiologists and referring physicians access to the high-quality images they need to make informed diagnoses for many different problems. Our patients will experience fast, quality exams in a comfortable environment."
NARH constructed an addition to its Medical Imaging Department to house the new unit, which was installed on Sept. 16. The new addition features large windows looking out onto a wooded area nearby. NARH began performing scans with the Ingenia on Oct. 7.
MRI technologists include Bill Bourbeau and Ann Connors, both of whom are registered in MRI by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Both have more than 20 years experience in the field.
To learn more, visit www.nbhealth.org or call the NARH Medical Imaging Department at 413-664-5279.
Tags: medical, NARH,
