A Commitment to early and accurate diagnoses
Did you know that you have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology without having to drive to Portland?

Today’s medical-imaging advances are providing unprecedented speed, sharpness, and diagnostic power. Keeping current with this technology isn’t easy, but each year, Salem Hospital plans for technological updates and advances by budgeting accordingly. In the coming year alone, Salem Hospital has budgeted $5.2 million for imaging technology.

“One of the factors that convinced me to come to work at Salem Hospital was its commitment to technology,” says Anne Diamond, Director of Imaging. “The imaging equipment here is equivalent to what you would find at an academic medical center. I’m proud to be a part an organization that is committed to providing its patients with the best technology and care.”

Some of the technology on the horizon at Salem Hospital includes:

• Mobile x-ray units that will decrease radiation exposure to patients and allow emergency-room physicians to view images faster.
• Converting x-ray units that currently use film to digital technology.
• An angiography imaging system that will allow doctors to see a bigger area inside the body, thus reducing radiation exposure and providing faster treatment.
• A portable ultrasound system for the Special Care Nursery.
• A mobile PET/CT that will help cancer physicians to target tumors more precisely, thus reducing radiation exposure to other parts of the patient’s body.

The most impressive equipment to come on board in 2006 will be a 64-channel multi-detector CT scanner. This scanner will provide a clearer, more complete view inside just about any part of the body, resulting in a more comprehensive diagnosis in less time.

“The 64-channel CT has just become available this year, and very few hospitals around the country have this technology,” says David Harrison, M.D., radiologist. “Salem will be way ahead of the curve with this new equipment.”

The 64-channel CT will help doctors assess trauma patients quickly. For trauma patients, speed is everything—this scanner has the potential to save lives. Its speed will also make scans more comfortable for both adults and children.

In addition, the clear, detailed views provided by the 64-channel CT scanner (see samples on page 5) will allow physicians to diagnose diseases and injuries earlier. Generally, the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more treatable it is—and the sooner the patient can get back to a normal routine.

Not only can you avoid the drive to Portland for imaging technology and procedures, but you won’t have to wait, either. With our extended and weekend hours, we’ll easily accommodate your busy schedule.