Greene County Medical Center welcomed 36 individuals to an exclusive, invitation only event Wednesday, Feb. 4, for a behind the scenes look at the new MRI unit as well as other areas of the hospital generally less accessible to the public. This was not only a celebration of innovation, but a thank you for the foresight of leaders and the donors who continue to shape the future of local healthcare.
Medical Center Foundation director Nancy Houska opened the presentation portion of the evening, thanking everyone for coming. “We are here tonight because of your generosity,” she said. “Your support of our mission and vision has a direct and positive impact on every patient and family member who walks through our doors.”
Forward thinking and commitment are responsible for the medical center’s ability to incorporate advanced services, according to CEO, Chad Butterfield. “Thanks to the vision of previous Board trustees, a dedicated space was created for the future placement of an MRI during a renovation in 2015,” he explained. “We are grateful to them and to our current trustees who made this a priority project. Their work is what brings us here for this event tonight.”
Saige Pietig, a radiology tech and new MRI tech, narrated a video showing a timeline of progression throughout the $3.3 million project and more in-depth details about the MRI itself. “We had teams that came in from Turkey and Germany for the delivery and installation of the over 10,000-pound machine. They spoke very little English but were experts in getting the MRI moved into place without damage. The entire process took an entire day,” she said.
Attendees were split into groups and given guided tours of key departments, including extended care, surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, the wound care clinic, oncology, and imaging. Experts in each field gave 10- to-15-minute presentations and answered questions, giving an insight into how recent investments are enhancing care for patients throughout the region.
The support of both the Greene County Medical Center board of trustees and the Foundation board as well as the donors has allowed Greene County Medical Center to continue expanding services, modernizing technology, meeting the ever-evolving healthcare needs of the communities served and helping to ensure the strength and viability of the medical center well into the future.
Persons who are interested in supporting the new MRI purchase or in making other investments to Greene County Medical Center can do so through the Foundation by logging on to gcmchealth.com/foundation or contacting director Nancy Houska, at 515-386-0108. To view the construction, delivery and installation of the MRI unit, log on to gcmchealth.com/mri-construction.
