Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS) and its MRI project got a huge lift from Schaefer Crane Service of New Ulm. The premanufactured building designed to house the hospital’s new MRI unit was delivered by truck, hoisted by a 350-ton crane, and deposited onto its foundation. The pod is now in its permanent location behind the OAHS hospital adjacent to the radiology department. A small vestibule has also been constructed to connect the unit to the hospital.
The two-day move took place July 14-15 and required five semi-loads of counterweights. The procession briefly restricted traffic, but the slight inconvenience is expected to produce immeasurable benefits to patients and staff when the project is completed later this fall.
The custom-built building will house a permanent MRI scanner. Its arrival will increase access to MRI technology at OAHS to 24/7. The addition of around-the-clock MRI service will reduce the need to transfer patients to other facilities, reduce weather-related delays, and dramatically expand availability.
OAHS has relied on a mobile MRI truck that visits the hospital twice a week. It was often necessary for emergency cases, such as patients exhibiting trauma or stroke-like symptoms, to be airlifted to Sioux Falls.
“This investment strengthens our commitment to delivering high-quality, timely healthcare for our region,” stated Dr. Al Ross, CEO of OAHS.
The next major step in the project is the delivery of the MRI scanner and its testing and calibration. The OAHS radiology department has received specialized training to ensure seamless implementation of the new equipment once the unit goes live.
Submitted Photo
Staff
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