The radiology department at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge recently completed a major renovation and expansion project, creating many improvements for MMC patients, visitors and personnel.

(02/19/01) New Imaging System At Methodist Improves Patient Care Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is now scheduling patients with a GE Open Bore MRI unit. MMC has operated a conventional MRI unit since 1986, which will continue for the majority of the MR procedures at the hospital. The new Open Bore design of MMC's second MR scanner accommodates larger patients and claustrophobic patients who could not tolerate the enclosed design of the conventional magnet. "This unit will allow MMC to better serve our patients by reducing wait time for scheduled procedures," said David Newman, MMC Director of Medical Imaging. Both MRI units are located at 150 Tennessee Ave. Appointments are scheduled through patients' physicians.

Medical Imaging's improvements include a new angiographic lab. The lab, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art X-ray technology, aids radiology personnel in diagnosing strokes and related conditions.

In addition, Medical Imaging has been equipped with several daylight-capable imaging machines. These machines reduce the need for darkrooms, saving time needed to receive results as well as cutting costs. Two new X-ray rooms equipped with increased tomographic capabilities for kidney X-rays and an enlarged family waiting area to better accomodate patients' families and friends also have been added.

Another expansion highlight is the consolidation of the nuclear medicine facilities into one department area. Patients will now be able to get all their nuclear medicine treatment, such as bone and heart scans, done in one section of the hospital. David Newman, Director of Medical Imaging, said the consolidation allows MMC to schedule patients and personnel more efficiently.

Newman, who has been at MMC for 25 years, recalled a time when the radiology department was simply made up of three X-ray rooms and no angiographic, nuclear or CT scan services.

"The department has certainly come a long way since I began working at MMC," said Newman. "We have made considerable improvements throughout the years. This expansion and renovation project will enable the radiology department to better serve MMC patients and their families."