By Jennifer Theurer

Memorial Health System of Abilene has parked a mobile Computed Tomography, or CT, trailer near the Emergency Department area. The mobile unit is available for use while crews disassemble the current CT machine to make way for the new Siemens Somatom CT system that is scheduled to be installed by late March.

“For patients visiting Memorial Health Systems, the new CT scanner means a more confident and comfortable imaging experience,” Radiology Manager Rhonda Schmid said. “The [new] system allows our technologists to stay closer to patients during exam preparations, which can be easily reassuring for children, patients with anxiety, and those with mobility challenges.”

Patients can also look forward to improved imaging quality that isn’t as affected by implanted devices, such as dental fillings or hip and knee implants, as previous machines.

“We carefully considered which CT system would provide the best possible experience for our patients and also provide our physicians with the information they need to deliver the best possible care,” Schmid said.

There is minimal construction that needs to take place, but the room where the new CT scanner will be installed is also getting new lighting, flooring, cabinets and walls.