PUEBLO, Colo. — UC Health Parkview in Pueblo has officially installed a new, state-of-the-art MRI machine, marking a significant advancement in local healthcare. The two-ton machine, now operational, eliminates the need for residents to travel outside the city for high-quality MRI scans, providing faster, more detailed imaging right in the community.
The upgraded MRI technology offers several key benefits, most notably faster scan times. With the new machine, wait times are reduced, allowing for more patients to be seen each day. Additionally, the high-resolution imaging provided by the new system enables healthcare professionals to detect and diagnose conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and joint injuries with greater accuracy. The improved software ensures that complex medical issues can be identified earlier, leading to better outcomes for patients.
According to Jarad Muasau, Vice President of UC Health Parkview, the installation of the new MRI machine reflects the organization’s commitment to both technology and patient care. “Healthcare is centered around good people and good diagnostics,” Muasau said. “Having the right tools is essential to giving our providers the best opportunity to offer high-quality care.”
Muasau acknowledged a past challenge that many Pueblo residents faced — the need to travel outside the city to access high-quality imaging services. Now, with this new MRI system, residents no longer need to leave their community to receive top-tier diagnostic imaging. “This MRI represents an investment in technology and, just as importantly, in the peace of mind of our community,” he explained. “People no longer have to go far to find out what’s going on inside their bodies.”
The MRI machine is designed to be more comfortable for patients, particularly those who experience anxiety or mobility issues. The reduced claustrophobia and quieter operation of the new system create a more relaxed atmosphere during the procedure. This is a welcome change for patients who have previously struggled with the discomfort of older, more intrusive MRI machines.
Muasau also highlighted the machine’s role in enhancing several specialized areas of care in Pueblo, including cancer treatment, cardiology, and orthopedics. “Advanced imaging is a vital component of these medical specialties, and this new MRI will significantly improve the level of care we can provide,” Muasau said.
The new MRI machine’s high resolution is particularly crucial when it comes to detecting subtle health issues, such as early-stage cancers or small tears in joints. “If you don’t have the resolution you need, it’s easy to miss small problems, and that could lead to delayed diagnoses and continued symptoms for patients,” Muasau noted.
In addition to improving diagnostic capabilities, the new MRI system also offers long-term financial benefits by reducing maintenance costs associated with aging equipment.
As Pueblo continues to grow, the introduction of this advanced MRI machine underscores UC Health Parkview’s ongoing commitment to investing in the community’s health and well-being. The hospital’s leadership is hopeful that this investment will not only improve patient outcomes but also enhance overall healthcare access for Pueblo residents.