Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Fall 2018

2 THE SAMARITAN Foundation focus I n January, the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors elected to raise $400,000 toward the purchase of a new MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine for the Samaritan Hospital campus. WHY A NEW MRI MACHINE NOW? For over 10 years, Samaritan’s MRI services have been located in a mo- bile trailer adjacent to Samaritan Clinic.The space limitations within the mobile unit have presented many patient experience and patient care concerns, especially when it comes to the ability to treat patients with claustrophobia or those needing extensive monitoring. Fiscal responsibility also plays an important role in this project deci- sion.The current unit is leased, with exorbitant monthly fees. In addi- tion to the lease fees, ambulance transport to the existing MRI unit for hospital patients incurs a fee that patients may end up having to pay. NEW UNIT, NEW SOLUTIONS—ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Samaritan Healthcare has elected to purchase a GE Signa Artist 96CH 1.5 Tesla model MRI machine—the first of its kind in Washington state. By relocating this new MRI to the hospital’s main campus, we will be able to offer expanded service hours in a convenient location. It is anticipated that this new machine and location will see an increase of 40 percent in operations the first year alone. This new wide-bore machine will have the ability to treat patients with claustrophobia and allow more room for patients of all shapes and sizes—all in a larger opening than the current unit has. The new machine enhances our ability to safely monitor any patients needing conscious sedation or continuous vital sign monitoring throughout the procedure. The quality and technology of the GE Signa Artist Tesla 1.5 MRI speaks for itself.This machine will be the first of its kind to be located west of Salt Lake City, allowing for advanced technology—meaning better imaging, faster results, quieter exams, and improved reliability of results—for both the patient and provider. YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR INVESTMENT This advanced GE Signa MRI machine alone will cost $1.5 million, and the $400,000 that the Foundation raises will be allocated toward the machine’s purchase costs. Building and finalizing the hospital-located program will be an addi- tional expenditure, bringing the total estimated project cost to just over $3 million. At Samaritan Healthcare, we are taking bold steps toward the future of medicine in our community. We believe local patients shouldn’t have to travel for the healthcare they deserve and, above all, that healthcare should be affordable and accessible by all. We know we can’t fund the purchase of this machine alone. By invest- ing in Samaritan Healthcare Foundation, you’re also investing in the future of healthcare for patients of the Columbia Basin. HELP US REACH OUR GOAL Your support means continuous enhancements to local healthcare. If you would like to donate or receive more information about the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation, we’d love to speak with you! Call 793-9645 or email foundation@samaritanhealthcare.com . Our current project Raising funds to purchase a leading- edge MRI machine “This state-of-the-art scanner will provide our patients with the best MRI imaging this side of Salt Lake City. It accommodates claustrophobic patients and provides a calm environment. I’m excited that we can offer our community the best quality of care they deserve.” —Alex DeLeon, MRI technologist, Samaritan Healthcare “I have always had good MRI experiences at Samaritan. This new MRI unit will help everyone— from independent patients to hospitalized or emergency patients— because they don’t have to be outside in the elements at all. This will be an incredibly important upgrade for Samaritan and the community.” —Keva Keith, Samaritan patient How the new MRI will benefit patients