Residents and patients in the surrounding area can schedule Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans at Mackinac Straits Health System in St. Ignace now that its new equipment has arrived. The hospital received its MRI machine Friday, August 13, and began scanning patients Monday, August 16.

The machine is state of the art and patients will no longer have to travel great distances for the procedure, said Tamie Hartwig, the chief planning officer for Mackinac Straits Health System. Often, she said, they will be able to receive the MRI scan the same day or day after prescribed by a physician. Scans will be conducted five days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the hospital can expand the hours or provide them on Saturday as needed.

The machine uses magnetic waves to scan the body's soft tissues, enabling the hospital to identify the severity of injuries, such as to a rotator cuff. The technology can aid in diagnostics for oncology, said Amy Dodds, Radiology co-manager. The machine can scan a patient's knees, ankles, hips, shoulders, spine, lumbar area, abdomen, and arteries.

Scans typically take about 30 minutes to complete, and tests are read by contracted radiologists from Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. Results can be received in about two days, Mrs. Dodds said.

Since the unit opened, the hospital has had three to five MRI patients a day, technologist Michael Oglesey said. The hospital hopes to schedule eight to 10 a day as more people learn of the service.

Offering the service at Mackinac Straits Health System is important, Mrs. Hartwig said, as traveling long distances to other hospitals for the service can be difficult for elderly patients or those who are in pain.

Mr. Oglesey operates the MRI machine and technologist Julie

At right: Technologist Michael Oglesey and Radiology co-manager Amy Dodds stand next to the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine at Mackinac Straits Health System Friday, August 20. The machine can scan knees, ankles, hips, spines, and other parts of the body to determine the types and extent of soft-tissue injuries.

Marsico will take over in a few weeks.