Inside Mason Health’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, exciting updates are underway, including a major facility renovation and additional capacity for vital imaging services. In accordance with the Hospital District’s mission of providing a high level of compassionate care, this revamp of Diagnostic Imaging at Mason Health also addresses an urgent need to replace the District’s current open MRI machine by the end of 2025 as the current unit has been designated at “end of life,” which means the repair services and replacement parts for the current model are being discontinued.
Mason Health’s Open MRI Is a Unique Diagnostic Tool for Mason County Patients
Diagnostic Imaging plays a pivotal role in quality care at Mason Health, with a medley of imaging tools available, including x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, 3D mammography and MRI. According to Shane Faford, director of diagnostic imaging at Mason Health, each form of imaging can visualize different structures within the body, and MRI testing, also known as magnetic resonance imaging, may be used when more information is needed after other imaging tests like x-rays or CT scans have been conducted.
MRIs may be ideal for finding the root cause of chronic pain in the back, shoulder or head and many other parts of the body. MRIs are also able to spot signs of acute conditions, including stroke, and chronic ailments like multiple sclerosis.
Faford says that the open MRI, referred to as a “pancake open”, has top and bottom components with an opening in the middle that can test a wider range of patients compared to other MRI models. The spacious design also provides a more comfortable patient experience while testing is in progress, reducing the risk of size constraints or claustrophobia that are more common with closed and large-bore MRI models.
There are few open-style MRI machines in the areas surrounding Mason County, which makes the open MRI machine at Mason Health of significance to patients seeking this type of service. The Hospital District receives around 2,000 visits for use of the open MRI each year. When searching for a replacement MRI model at Mason Health, Faford says it was “essential to maintain an open design, so that Mason Health’s Diagnostic Imaging department can continue to provide this service to local patients as well as those who travel from Olympia, Ocean Shores and beyond.”
Mason Health’s New Open MRI Opens Door for Further Imaging and Screening in Mason County
Diagnostic Imaging at Mason Health is currently undergoing a comprehensive remodel that will extend the department’s facilities, including devoted areas to conduct cardiology-related testing like cardiac stress tests and echocardiograms in addition to other services like nuclear medicine. The remodel of the Diagnostic Imaging Department is tied to Mason Health’s greater Capital Master Plan and Campus Renewal Project, which anticipates the future needs of the community and District.
The new MRI that will be installed at Mason Health is the OASIS Velocity High-Field Open MRI. It is a popular open MRI model that will offer the same capabilities as their current open MRI, but with advanced technology that will allow the Diagnostic Imaging Department to potentially expand imaging services and screenings, with a lower chance of discontinuation in the near future.
To provide minimal interruption to patient care, the current open MRI will continue to operate until the new MRI is installed and ready for use. It is estimated that the new MRI will begin operations during the fourth quarter of 2025.
Mason Health Raises Funds for Vital Medical Equipment Through Community Support
Community connection is essential to Mason Health’s mission, and since the district announced the need for a replacement open MRI, community members have demonstrated robust support through participation in fundraising events, the annual Give Local Campaign and a significant individual patient contribution.
The Black and White Ball was a live auction and fundraising gala that took place on November 16, 2024, at Little Creek Casino Resort. Event attendees enjoyed the announcement of Mason General Hospital Foundation’s rebrand as Mason Health Foundation and in addition, guests also experienced the glitz and glam of an “Old Hollywood” theme while also making contributions through a silent auction, live auction and the Fund-An-Item call for donations. During the Black and White Ball, Mason Health also received a check for $200,000 from the Mason Health Foundation Endowment Committee to help fund the new MRI.
A component of the Endowment Fund is the Forever Fund, which welcomes donations from community members through the Mason Health Foundation website, and through remittance envelopes included in Mason Health’s quarterly SCOPE Magazine. Medical equipment is a necessary, but significant expense for the hospital district and contributions to the Forever Fund can help to offset these costs and ensure state of the art care at Mason Health in perpetuity.
Through these diverse fundraising streams, more than $330,000 has been collected so far to help bring the new OASIS Velocity High-Field Open MRI to Mason Health. And the new High Field Open MRI has again been designated by the Mason General Hospital Foundation as a Fund-An-Item for 2025, with upcoming fundraising efforts and events continuing to target this important diagnostic tool.
Mason Health’s new Oasis Velocity Open MRI from Fujifilm, offers advanced technology for its community members and aligns with Mason Health’s Vision to Provide the Best Patient-Centered Care in the Pacific Northwest.
To learn more about the ongoing remodel of the Diagnostic Imaging Department of Mason Health, the High-Field open MRI or other Diagnostic Imaging services, visit the Mason Health website.
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