| Hospital
begins remodel of Radiology Dept.
St. Mary’s Hospital is currently remodeling their Radiology Department and updating their imaging equipment. Remodeling of the 900 square foot space for the new X-ray equipment began last week and is scheduled for completion by Monday, March 29. 
According to Pat Watkins, Facilities Maintenance, the hospital is using the portable X-ray in the interim. In addition to the new X-ray equipment, SMHC recently purchased a portable C-arm imaging unit which produces ‘live’ images of the body’s structures. SMHC will also be acquiring a CT scanner and constructing a separate facility on the campus to house it. “We anticipate having the building constructed and the new scanner in place by the end of August,” said Casey Meza, CEO. The hospital and clinics currently contract with a mobile CT scanner to provide services 3 half days per week. The mobile MRI will continue to provide services on a weekly basis. The upgrades are being partially funded through monies from the SMH Foundation. “As more sophisticated equipment becomes available and as our equipment ages, it becomes increasingly difficult to find replacement parts,” said Meza. “At that point we commit to finding state-of-the-art equipment to better serve our patients.” SMHC is partnering with Clearwater Valley Hospital, Orofino, to purchase the same equipment so services, parts and training can be shared. |
 |
