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City Leaders Cut Ribbons on New MRI Machine and Advanced Wound Care Center
Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) joined Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chairman Vincent Gray to unveil several new pieces of sophisticated medical equipment at the United Medical Center (UMC) in Ward 8. Notably, city leaders cut the ribbon on a new $1.3 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. It marks the first time that an MRI machine has been located east of the Anacostia River in the District.
MRIs are the centerpiece of hospital radiology departments. They provide the most accurate, yet non-invasive, means of examining soft tissue areas of the body. MRIs are especially useful when imaging the brain, knee, shoulder and spine. As a preventative tool, MRIs can help diagnose tumors, coronary artery disease, abdominal organ and liver diseases, vascular anomalies and various forms of cancer. The new UMC facility will house a Phillips high field (1.5 Tesla) scanner. Known for its unparalleled speed and clarity, this particular machine is ideal for patients who are normally difficult to image.
“Two years ago, when this hospital was on the verge of closing, I could not have imagined standing here to cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art MRI machine,” said Catania. “To many of us here today, this is more than a new piece of equipment. To us, it represents the District Government’s commitment to the well-being of our residents.”
Catania also participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Advanced Center for Wound Healing at UMC. The Center is currently host to two of a planned four hyperbaric wound chambers – the most sophisticated in the District. Hyperbaric chambers provide high-pressure, 100 percent oxygenated environment which stimulates and greatly enhances the healing process in soft tissues. Patients typically remain in hyperbaric chambers for 90 minute increments per visit with the number of visits dependant on the severity of the wound. UMC will offer two separate hyperbaric chambers for patient use, as well as a full-service clinic to assist patients with other related needs such as support stockings, wound dressing and counseling.
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