Thanks to a deliberate investment by OSF HealthCare to bring the latest health care technologies to the Riverbend region, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has installed two new advanced diagnostic imaging systems, a state-of-the-art CT scanner and MRI system designed to deliver faster, clearer and more accurate imaging for patients and empowering providers with life-saving diagnostic precision.
The installation represents the latest significant investment toward the future of health care at OSF Saint Anthony’s, said Lisa Schepers, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, interim president, OSF Saint Anthony’s.
“When patients have questions, imaging services, like CT and MRI are among the most important tools toward getting them answers,” Schepers said. “Riverbend residents deserve the very best, and these new advanced diagnostic imaging systems are among the most sophisticated available. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation and patient-centric care at OSF Saint Anthony’s.”
These new diagnostic systems save lives, says Fred SanSoucie RT(R)(CT)(ARRT), director of imaging services, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “The new technology offers the ability to provide specialty imaging for early detection of disease, including cancers, heart issues and stroke.”
CT and MRI technology also provides doctors with more information when developing treatment plans while remaining non-invasive for patients, SanSoucie says.
“The new MRI can reduce exam time by approximately 50% of a traditional MRI. Patients spend less time in the machine, and physicians receive results faster, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment when every second counts,” SanSoucie states. “Additionally, the new MRI offers a more comfortable patient experience during the scan with a more open ‘tube’ suited for patients up to 500 pounds and reducing anxiety from claustrophobia.”
Previously, some specialized imaging was difficult to obtain without crossing the river, SanSoucie said. “Now, Riverbend region residents have all the imaging technology they need here at OSF Saint Anthony’s in Alton, and none of the traffic. Whether it’s chronic pain, a sports injury or a complex neurological case, the new MRI provides a non-invasive means of obtaining diagnosis and determining the correct treatment.”
Learn more about the GE HealthCare SIGNA™ Artist Evo MRI and GE HealthCare Revolution™ Ascend CT machine.
Learn more about diagnostics and imaging services at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center by visiting www.osfsaintanthonys.org.
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About OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center: A 49-bed Rural Health designated acute care hospital in Alton, Illinois, OSF Saint Anthony’s serves the residents of Madison, Jersey and Macoupin counties. It is home to OSF Moeller Cancer Center, which provides the latest diagnostic tools and treatment for patients in a relaxing environment. OSF Saint Anthony’s also provides 24-hour access to a physician-staffed emergency department, in addition to cardiovascular, neurology, pulmonology, surgical, rehabilitation services and more. OSF Saint Anthony’s is fully accredited by the Joint Commission for Healthcare Facilities, American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, American College of Radiology, American Heart Association, IDPH and TJC Primary Stroke Center. OSF Saint Anthony’s is part of OSF HealthCare – an integrated health system with 17 hospitals in Illinois and Michigan and robust Innovation and Digital Health divisions that provide access to specialty care and remote monitoring, helping people receive the care they need close to home. OSF HealthCare is operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.
OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system founded by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, OSF has 17 hospitals – 11 acute care, five critical access and one continuing care – with 2,305 licensed beds throughout Illinois and Michigan. OSF employs over 27,000 Mission Partners across more than 170 locations. These include OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, the third largest pediatric hospital in the state, and OSF OnCall, its digital health operating entity that offers hospital-at-home care. Advances in health care transformation take place through OSF Innovation as well as OSF Ventures, which provides investment capital for promising health care innovation startups. In addition, OSF operates two colleges of nursing; OSF Home Care Services, an extensive network of home health and hospice services; Pointcore, Inc., which is composed of health care-related businesses; and OSF HealthCare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization. OSF HealthCare has been recognized by Fortune as one of the most innovative companies in the country and by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals. Learn more at osfhealthcare.org.