Located within the radiology department in the central hospital building, the new suite has been designed and constructed to make the diagnostic experience as comfortable as possible for patients. "The suite is huge," said Allen. "We have been able to put a couch into the room where the magnet is so that family members may stay with their loved ones during the scans." Large skylights let in plenty of natural light, which also helps put patients at ease.

The new suite was completed in January, after several months of construction and renovation. It houses a Siemens® closed-magnet unit, which provides excellent image quality of soft tissues in the body. This powerful diagnostic tool is often used to determine the types and extent of neurological and orthopedic problems.

Though MRI is often used for patients staying within the hospital, it is also frequently utilized on an outpatient basis. "We set aside six appointments each day specifically for outpatient use," said Allen, "so it's very easy to get in. Many people don't realize that you can specify where you would like to have your MRI done. All you have to do is tell your doctor that you'd like to have an MRI here, and we can usually see you within one or two days of your call. The new suite is so comfortable and so convenient, it makes sense to call Danville Regional Medical Center first."