PULLMAN -- August 9 marked the arrival of Pullman’s first on-site MRI, a 6.5 ton addition to the new Pullman Regional Hospital. As the freight truck entered the hospital campus, the driver sounded the horn, noting the much awaited technology had arrived. To assist with the installation, a crew of 15 people assembled from around the country. Among the workers was Doug Carr, an installation specialist from GE Healthcare of Milwaukee, Wisconsin along with two magnet engineer specialists. “For a town this size, this is amazing technology” said Carr as he and Pullman Hospital Staff members watched a crane lower the magnet onto a steel carrier.

The new machine will serve as a multipurpose technology element, allowing staff to detect an array of conditions from tumors in brains to torn cartilage in knees. Lead Pullman MRI Technologist Andrea Gallagher watched with excitement as each of the various boxes arrived. “This technology is really something you would see in Seattle or Spokane; we’re so lucky to have this in our community,” she said. The MRI was produced by General Electric Healthcare in South Carolina and operates using liquid helium. Due to the temperature specific nature of helium, the unit must be transported and delivered within 10 days to prevent it from becoming too warm. Pullman’s MRI arrived in 5 days, several days ahead of schedule accompanied by cooling units and other venting mechanisms.

The machine will be ready to operate when Pullman Regional Hospital opens its doors December 16 of this year. For more information on the Pullman Regional Hospital construction project, visit www.pullmanhospital.org.