Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) celebrated the opening of the Imaging Center Gainesville in Medical Park 1 in Jesse Jewell Park on Thursday, May 14.  From its layout that promotes efficient patient throughput to its spa-like atmosphere, this state-of–the-art imaging center was designed with the unique patient experience in mind to create a relaxing environment for patient care. 
 
The new Imaging Center allows NGMC to consolidate outpatient imaging services in one convenient location.  Advanced, all-digital imaging services provided at the new Imaging Center include:

• PET/CT
• MRI, including 3T MRI, 0.7T Open MRI, 1.5T MRI, breast MRI and cardiac MRI
• 64-slice and 16-slice CT
• nuclear medicine
• mammography
• stereotactic core breast biopsy
• ultrasound
• bone density
• fluoroscopy
• diagnostic x-ray

“One of the goals in designing Imaging Center Gainesville was to be able to offer an array of cutting-edge technology in one convenient location, and I would definitely say that we have accomplished that,” said Colby Chastain, MD, medical director of Radiology at NGMC and a radiologist with Gainesville Radiology Group, PC.  “In fact, we are probably one of the only imaging centers in Georgia to have all three MRI magnet strengths in one location, including the 1.5T MRI with all the specialty capabilities of an academic medical center MRI; 0.7 Open MRI for claustrophobic and larger patients; and 3T MRI for orthopedic and neurologic patients.”

The new Imaging Center also contains a separate women’s imaging area providing one location for women’s imaging needs, including digital mammography, breast MRI, ultrasound and bone density studies.  Funding from The Medical Center Auxiliary’s 2007 and 2008 Marketplace fundraisers to The Medical Center Foundation’s Healthy Journey II campaign made possible a spa-like environment in the women’s imaging area that meets the comprehensive imaging needs of female patients in a comfortable, attractive surrounding, while maintaining a high level of privacy.  Features of this area include:

• separate dressing rooms and warm robes,
• private waiting areas for screening and diagnostic patients having mammograms,
• lighted scenery panels in each mammography room,
• an education room and
• gourmet refreshments including lemon infused water, sugared fruit and an assortment of coffees and teas.

 “Our Health System is fortunate to have the tireless support of The Medical Center Auxiliary,” said Woody Stewart, chairman of The Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees.  “The spa-like enhancements incorporated into this facility, including the two magnificent lobby water features, the visual imagery walls in the mammography rooms and the other many special touches that personalize care, help alleviate the anxiety of women facing often stressful medical procedures.  The Auxiliary’s funding is just one more example of the Auxiliary’s commitment to making Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) exceptional.”

The main corridor of the women’s imaging area is also home to a special piece of art called Celebration, created by Mary Hart Wilheit, a former Marketplace Chair.  Made specifically for Marketplace as a fundraiser for the women’s imaging area, the focus of this hand crafted piece, the Casa Blanca Lily, was chosen because this lily traditionally symbolizes celebrations.

“We are excited about the opportunity to better support the community’s imaging needs in our new convenient locations, both here in Gainesville and in Braselton,” said Debbie Duke, director of Imaging Services at NGMC.  “Not only do we offer high-quality imaging services in these locations, but we also offer such benefits as centralized scheduling of exams, early morning and some weekend appointments, Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS), CD’s of images for referring physicians, on-site radiologists for quick review of results, wireless internet access and complimentary coffee and refreshment bars.”

Imaging Center Gainesville is located in Medical Park 1, a new three-story  90,000 square foot building constructed adjacent to and connected to NGMC’s previous Imaging Center, at 1315 Jesse Jewell Parkway in Gainesville.  The new Imaging Center is located on the ground floor, containing more than 26,000 square feet of space.  The upper two floors provide space for physician offices or other medical, office and support needs.

 “As evident by our recent openings of the Women and Children’s Pavilion, Medical Plaza 1 in Braselton and the North Patient Tower, Northeast Georgia Health System is rapidly growing to meet the increasing healthcare needs of our community,” said Carol Burrell, COO of NGHS.  “We are excited to continue to provide our region with state-of-the-art facilities that meet their healthcare needs close to home.” 

For information about The Medical Center Foundation or Healthy Journey, contact 770-219-8099.  For more information about Imaging Center Gainesville, call 770-219-8035.