Susanne shares her experience as a patient benefitting from GGH’s new MRI Machine
On January 2nd, 2024, Susanne, a regular patient at Guelph General Hospital (GGH), came in for her annual MRI scan of her pancreas as per her doctor’s request. “I have occasional bouts of polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR) and have to go onto quite heavy doses of Prednisone then spend a long time working my way off it,” says Susanne. In this case, her annual MRI scans are done as a preventive measure as Prednisone can increase the risk of acute Pancreatitis, which a scan would easily be able to diagnose.
The MRI scan of the pancreas is a non-invasive exam that uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to capture detailed images of the body. Susanne described the check-in process as, “Easy and to put into simpler words, totally painless.” She says this is thanks to the amazing and quick service provided by the staff that she encountered along the way.
In the past, Susanne underwent scans using GGH’s 16-year-old MRI machine, and noted a significant improvement when comparing it to the new one installed in October 2023. The purchase of this much needed equipment was made possible by the generosity of our community, through the Together, We Care Campaign of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
“The new machine offered more space, was quieter, and was overall a more comfortable experience,” she says. The new machine provides an improved patient experience and provides staff with cutting edge technology for investigation and diagnosis. As Susanne noticed, it also provides faster and better image quality, as well as the potential to scan a broader range of injuries and illness.
It takes a lot of hard work and community support to install a machine of such importance. Christine, MRI Technologist at GGH shared, “The new MRI scanner makes many aspects of our day a lot easier! In the scan room, the new digital displays help us position the patient more accurately and with better patient comforts (for example, better ventilation control). As well, the dockable MRI bed is easier for us to move out of the room when we have patients that are not able to walk about.”
Two words that Susanne used to describe the staff at GGH during her time were; professional and friendly. She expressed her gratitude to GGH for always providing her with a great experience. “There’s no hospital I would rather go to, it’s my hospital of choice for all my medical needs because the exceptional service I receive here is unmatched.”
While visiting a hospital annually is not something people look forward to, benefiting from the latest in technology when receiving care is indeed something to be grateful for. Susanne feels great now having completed the scan and is eagerly awaiting her doctor’s results. Photo caption: Susanne, one of the first patients to benefit from GGH’s new MRI machine.
