Mount Nittany Medical Center on Monday opened the first phase of a multi-year project to comprehensively upgrade its diagnostic pavilion.
The project aims to improve patient experience and the staff environment while implementing updated diagnostic technology. Three more phases are planned to be completed over the next two years.
“Mount Nittany Health is proud to be able to offer our patients state-of-the-art diagnostic services that are convenient and close to home,” Kathleen Rhine, Mount Nittany Health President and CEO, said in a statement. “With the introduction of the improvements such as an upgraded MRI, the time required to complete each scan will be reduced and patients will be able to access these advanced imaging services without the need to travel outside of State College.”
Along with new MRI capabilities, the facility installed two new CT scanners that provide expedited imaging processes and better resolution, as well as reduced radiation dosages.
The new imaging technology is also located closer to the emergency department, where it is expected to streamline patient care.
“Imaging is vital to providing care to patients, especially those in the emergency department,” Dr. Jacob Alexander, a Mount Nittany Health radiologist, said. “The new diagnostic pavilion is closer to the ED, which saves time for patients and makes it easier for our dedicated staff members to provide care. The patient waiting rooms and changing rooms have also been updated for a better patient experience.”
The hospital’s imaging department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, performing 160,000 imaging studies annually, including tens of thousands of CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds and mammograms.
Those numbers are projected to rise, and the renovated pavilion is designed to improve the workspace for staff.
“The new facility optimizes our workflow and maximizes available space,” Larry Garman, imaging services manager, said. “We actively involved our staff in the selection of the new equipment, and we have also incorporated a dedicated staff break room in the pavilion.”
The diagnostic pavilion is among several recent and ongoing projects for expansion and renovations at the medical center and outpatient locations.
Work recently began on a 10-story patient tower addition at the medical center and new four-story outpatient medical center is under construction and is expected to open in 2024 at Toftrees West in Patton Township.
Other recent initiatives include major expansions and renovations of the Joseph V. and Suzanne P. Paterno Women and Children’s Services Unit women and children’s unit and the clinical laboratory,
