News

Pardee's new MRI suite aims to make scan more peaceful

By Bill Moss, Published: June 20, 2016

Pardee Hospital has opened a new MRI Caring Suite designed to ease stress and anxiety and make patients more comfortable and relaxed during their scan. The new suite has wide-screen TVs, surround-sound speakers and other features to make the experience more peaceful, the hospital said in a news release.

“We are excited to bring this technology to Pardee Hospital and to reduce the anxiety many of our patients feel during an MRI,” said Ron McKee, director of Imaging, Cardiovascular Services and Respiratory & Sleep at Pardee. “Our goal as always is to make sure that our patients receive the best care possible. This new suite raises the quality of service we bring to our community and provides them with a whole new level of comfort.”

The MRI Caring Suite is equipped with a new wide-bore MRI machine, which has a wider opening to accommodate patients up to 500 pounds as well as ease the anxiety of patients who typically experience claustrophobia during MRI scans. The machine also has silent scanning technology giving patients a quieter, more relaxing experience.

The new suite also incorporates a variety of other anxiety reducing elements including: a 70-inch high-definition video display mounted on the ceiling above the MRI table so patients can watch calming videos or movies, surround-sound speakers to listen to the music of their choice or a variety of soothing sounds and an array of colored LED lights to illuminate the room for a more peaceful atmosphere.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call 828.698.7979 or visit pardeehospital.org.