New Scanner at Memorial Hospital Increases Opportunities for Patients

Contact: Tim Kershner, [email protected] / 603-356-5461 ext. 2198
or Carrie Burkett, [email protected] / 603-356-5461 ext. 2264

The new CT scanner at Memorial represents "a significant investment" in patient care with higher quality images, lower doses of radiation, and increased patient comfort.

North Conway, NH - The installation of a GE Ascend CT scanner will bring "significant advancement in diagnostic imaging capabilities. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital," according to Memorial President Bradley Chapman.

"This advanced technology reflects our ongoing to commitment to providing the highest level of care to our patients. The GE ascend underscores our dedication to leveraging cutting edge technology for the benefit of our patients."

The CT Scanner, manufactured by General Electric and installed in June, will support the expansion of several Memorial Hospital service lines including Cardiology and Orthopedics. It also offers additional options for exams such as cardiac calcium scoring for which patients currently must travel to a larger tertiary center to have performed. Kendra Griffin RT(R)(M)(CT), Director of Imaging Services at Memorial, adds that the software which powers the scanner allows the staff to image patients with metal implants more accurately. Previously, she says, these scans were difficult to interpret because the metal would create significant obstruction, possibly overshadowing the patient's anatomy.

"We made a significant investment to bring this technology to Memorial to keep this care close to home so our patients would not have to travel for some of these services." Griffin says.

Memorial Director of Imaging Services Kendra Griffin RT(R)(M)(CT), (second from left) with imaging services team members (l-r) Jesse Burke RT(R)(M)(CT), Ellen Rennie RT(R)(M)(CT), Collen Young RT(R)(M)(CT), Joe Roy CNMT RT(R)(M)(CT)

Among other benefits for patients, Griffin notes the opening has 22% more space for a more comfortable scanning experience. The table weight limit can accommodate patients up to 675lbs (175lbs more than the previous scanner) and the table goes lower making it easier for patients to get on and off. The scanner also uses some of the lowest doses of radiation in CT scans available.

Griffin and her staff are "thrilled" at the additional services and benefits for Memorial patients. "The new scanner has AI technology which can be used to not only provide a significantly lower radiation dose to patients, but also aids in increased image quality, faster image reconstruction times, and an overall better patient experience."

General Electric representative Julius Dinkel congratulated the hospital on their purchase, acknowledging "MaineHealth and Memorial Hospital continue to invest in the best technology available for the community." 

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About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, www.memorialhospitalnh.org or call 603-356-5461.

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