Levelling Up: TCI Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Team Prepares for new MRI

#TurksandCaicos, June 17, 2022 – InterHealth Canada -The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is replacing its 12-year-old MRI machine with a state-of-the-art GE SIGNA™ 1.5 tesla technology. The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is the first hospital in the region to receive an MRI machine with GE’s installation of artificial intelligence, which allows the Imaging department to stay at the forefront of imaging technology while continuing to offer patients a wide variety of MRI scans.

So far, The Diagnostic Imaging team have completed training from GE, which was more of a reinforcement of knowledge in using the equipment and its various software applications. Through a virtual and theoretical approach, the team received a review of MRI safety recommendations that the American College of Radiology developed and the various restricted access zones in the MRI environment. In addition, the teams analysed the differences between MR personnel and non-MR personnel and the differences in safety screenings for patients and non-patients, MR- appropriate attire and medical emergencies in the MR suite. Certificates were given upon completion.

Radiologist Dr Barry Taylor has been certified in MR Safety MRMD (MRI Medical Doctor), and Imaging Department Manager Sandra Burgess is a certified MRSO (MRI Safety Officer). This certification focused on many aspects relating to the safety practices of the MRI environment, including Basic MRI Physics Relevant to MRI Safety, Static Field: Bioeffects and Access Control, Gradient Magnetic Fields: Bioeffects and Safety, Radio Frequency Field: Bioeffects and Safety, Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Agents, MR Safety Screening, Managing Emergent Situations and Patient Considerations: Quench and Patient Anxiety & Patient Monitoring.

The biomedical engineering team are also completing the MRI Safety course, with all Hospital staff to follow.

“We are fortunate to have a hospital community that supports staying up to date with the latest technology,” said Manager of Imaging Department Sandra Burgess. “Patients won’t find a better MRI than what will be installed here at The TCI Hospital.”

“When it comes to our patients, we strive for nothing short of excellence for every patient, every visit! Ensuring we have state-of-the-art equipment is only part of the job but having the best people to run our equipment is just as important. Our Imaging Technologists are qualified, each holding additional certifications in the imaging field. They are some of the best you’ll find, and we are fortunate to have them all. With their skills, each of these techs is greatly valued,” Burgess said.