Digital Mammography and PACS Goes Live!
Posted on Sep 02 2011
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The Morrison Community Hospital’s digital mammography system has gone live and patients are already experiencing the improvements in the technology.  The upgraded system has become a reality at the Morrison Community Hospital thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Big SQUEEZE Committee and MCH Foundation, the generosity of the community and the dedicated staff at MCH.  The advancement in technology emphasizes the hospitals dedication to their patients and their commitment to continual growth and quality improvement at the rural hospital.

The digital mammography and PACS system will provide many new benefits to the hospitals’ patients.  Some of the benefits the patients will experience include no waiting for film to be developed and reduced time at their appointments.  Also, digital mammography produces clearer images that radiologists can manipulate to help detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer.

A local Morrison resident, Mary Black, is an advocate of having the upgraded service close to home.  She also happens to be the first patient to benefit from the new digital mammography service offered at MCH.  Her words below demonstrate her enthusiasm towards the new digital mammography service offered by the hospital.

I am proud to say, “I’m the first patient to have their digital mammography screening done at our community hospital!” I have been coming to MCH as a patient for over 35 years.  I am impressed with their commitment and dedication to our community.  MCH has taken on some big projects to bring new and better service to all of us. 

My family and I have used many of their services including the outpatient clinic, specialists, x-ray and lab, outpatient rehab and mammography.  Our second daughter, Susan, was born at MCH, when they had an OB wing.

You can imagine my excitement when I heard MCH was going to upgrade to digital mammography!  I stay up-to-date with my mammography screenings because of my family history of breast cancer. However, I don’t want it to consume my life.  From the time I check in at the front desk, to having the digital screening done it takes approximately 30 minutes and I am on my way back to work and looking forward to lunch. It is just a small blip on my daily agenda.

I don’t know if people realize how easy it can be to have their screenings and procedures done at MCH.  Their physician writes a prescription/ orders.  The patient can take their prescription/orders anywhere they choose.  Hopefully, they choose Morrison Community Hospital!  Just call 815-772-4003 and tell them you would like to schedule your digital mammography.  It is really that simple.

I can’t speak highly enough about the care I receive here.  Carol Hill is wonderful, I love her!  She is the Director of the Radiology Department at MCH and she makes me feel comfortable.  She focuses all of her attention on her patient. It never matters how much time you may need, Carol makes sure to give it to you.  She is all about the patient and their best interest.

MCH is continuing to go high-tech with the completed installation of the digital mammography equipment.  This has really been accomplished through a team effort of the entire community.  If additional evaluation is needed, my images and information can be digitally transmitted to that facility.  This could save me from having to repeat the procedure.

Morrison Community Hospital gives me the technology and professionalism of a larger hospital with the convenience of, “Right here at home.”  I’m not one person in a huge sea of people.  Here, I’m Mary Black, a community member, a friend, and member of their family.  It’s a friendship that puts me at ease the minute I walk through the doors.