Mount Nittany Health hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Diagnostic Pavilion in the Mount Nittany Medical Center on July 10, 2023. These renovations mark the completion of the first phase of a comprehensive upgrade initiative, with further enhancements planned over the next two years. The transformed Diagnostic Pavilion will deliver an exceptional patient experience, foster an improved staff environment, and enable the utilization of state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to better serve our community.
“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,” said Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health. “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.”
In addition to the advanced MRI capabilities, the renovation includes the installation of two new CT scanners. These scanners offer expedited imaging processes, superior resolution, and reduced radiation dosage for patients. The improved imaging infrastructure will also streamline patient care in the Emergency Department, enabling healthcare providers to prioritize and expedite treatment plans.
“Imaging is vital to providing care to patients, especially those in the Emergency Department,” said Jacob Alexander, MD, Radiology, Mount Nittany Health. “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.”
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, the imaging department at the Medical Center conducts nearly 160,000 imaging studies annually, including 40,000 CT scans, 10,000 MRIs, 18,000 ultrasounds, and 20,000 mammograms. With the growing retiree population, these numbers are projected to rise. Larry Garman, Imaging Services Manager at Mount Nittany Health, explained, “The new facility optimizes our workflow and maximizes available space. 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 entire Diagnostic Pavilion renovation project consists of four phases in total and should be completed in the next two years. Three years of planning went into the project and Stantec is the architect for the renovations.
The new Diagnostic Pavilion is another example of Mount Nittany Health’s commitment to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.” More information about the project will be available at mountnittany.org.