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Organization: Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
Date: June 4, 2009
Visualizing the Invisible
Henry Mayo's Leading Edge Technology Enhances Patient Care
VALENCIA, CA — Almost every patient at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is seen in the Imaging Services department at least once during their stay, and many patients are seen multiple times.
Ensuring patients receive the highest level of patient imaging services is a priority for Connie Hage, director of Imaging and Cardiology Services, and the recent completion of the radiographic fluoroscopy room is one more milestone toward that goal.
"We were making do in a fluoroscopy room that was very old," said Hage. "The addition of new, state-of-the-art equipment, with its high quality imaging, will help us in our drive to deliver excellent patient care."
The radiographic fluoroscopy room is the latest phase of the imaging department's renovation project that also includes a new corridor, dressing room, bathroom and office. In addition, the control room was refurbished and modernized.
Fluoroscopy is a technique for obtaining or viewing "live" X-ray images from a patient. The x-ray beams are transmitted to the patient, then to the digital system. The image is then sent to the PACs system and can be viewed on a high resolution computer monitor.
The computerized radiographic-digital fluoroscopy unit is used for minor special radiology procedures and intervention procedures.
"Visualizing the invisible is what is accomplished with this technology," said Richard Goldman, M.D. "Fluoroscopy is often used to observe the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. It's also used during many diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic procedures such as myelography, vascular access procedures, and ERCP exams."
Another benefit, which also adds to an improved patient experience, is the system's ability to obtain and store accurate images of the patient's internal organs in a more timely fashion.
Previous imaging department upgrade phases have included the addition of a 64-slice CT scanner, a dual modality special procedures suite, and a digital radiographic room. Upcoming phases include a second digital radiographic room, an Imaging/Cardiology lounge, offices, and bathrooms.
"With the completion of each phase, we are getting closer and closer to having the most modern, sophisticated radiology departments in Los Angeles, not just Santa Clarita," added Hage.
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ABOUT HENRY MAYO — Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is a 221 bed not-for-profit acute care hospital serving the Santa Clarita Valley since 1975. Services include trauma, emergency, intensive care, maternity, surgery, nursing, wound care, behavioral health, and acute rehab, as well as cancer, cardiology, imaging, lab, digestive, respiratory services and physical and occupational therapies. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is located at 23845 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355-2083. For more information, visit www.henrymayo.com or call 661-253-8000.
