Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) has announced the addition of an enhanced wide-bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, with same-week scheduling. The mobile unit is on-site at the Hospital campus in Windsor, Vermont every Monday and Thursday. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with Valley Regional Healthcare in Claremont, New Hampshire, and Alliance Healthcare.
MRI units generate 3D images of the body's interior without radiation and are useful in detecting and diagnosing an array of medical conditions. This wide-bore unit is designed to accommodate larger patients, up to 550 pounds, as well as people who may experience anxiety or claustrophobia with traditional, narrower MRI units. The system features a 70 centimeter (27.5 inch) diameter entry point. This leaves nearly a foot of space from the tip of one's nose to the top of the scanner, compared to traditional models that offer 8- to 10-inches of space. Many exams can be completed with the patient's head outside the bore. The unit, which features the latest DOT and TIM4G technology, features safer high-resolution imaging than other models, with 64 channels for exceptional image quality, faster acquisition and exam times, safer magnetic fields, and decreased energy consumption.
"We're delighted to be able to collaborate with our colleagues at Valley Regional and Alliance Healthcare to bring this useful diagnostic tool to our local communities," said Dr. Joseph Perras, CEO and Chief Medical Officer at MAHHC. "It's partnerships like these that allow rural hospitals such as ours to provide such high-quality diagnostic technology and healthcare close to home." Dr. Perras said that the wide-bore design of the new unit will make MRI scanning comfortable and convenient for patients of all kinds. "If you're not a fan of small spaces, getting an MRI in a conventional machine can be uncomfortable or even impossible," explained Dr. Perras, "but the open design of this unit solves those concerns for most people. And importantly, because the unit is here two days a week, we can typically schedule appointments for the same week, for faster results and better outcomes."
Those seeking more information about the new wide-bore MRI scanner should speak to their primary care provider or call Mt. Ascutney Hospital at (802) 674-6711.
About Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center
Founded in 1933, Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center (MAHHC) is a not-for-profit community hospital network in Vermont, including the critical access-designated Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Historic Homes of Runnemede, a senior residential care campus, in Windsor, as well as the Ottauquechee Health Center in Woodstock. A member of the Dartmouth Health system, MAHHC provides primary care and a comprehensive suite of specialty services, along with 25 inpatient beds, a therapeutic pool and an acclaimed, fully modernized 10-bed Acute Rehabilitation Center. Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is dedicated to improving the lives of those it serves and is at the hub of a wide network of community resources that have partnered to cover gaps in services and improve overall population health. One of the largest employers in the area, MAHHC acknowledges its employees as its greatest asset and has been recognized by the Governor's Office with an Excellence in Worksite Wellness award.
Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), is a recent recipient of Best Practice recognition by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) for health care quality, and is recognized by the American Hospital Association (AHA) as one of the "Most Wired" hospitals for integration of technology to boost clinical performance. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded MAHHC with Level 3 status, the highest level of medical home designation.