Major MRI Upgrade Improves Care and Imaging at CCH
2026-05-23
Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) is excited to share another
important investment within our Diagnostic Services Department that will help
enhance access, quality of care, and outcomes for local patients.
Our Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine has recently
undergone a complete refit. This process involved stripping the machine down to
its core magnet and replacing the surrounding components and computer systems
with updated hardware and state-of-the-art software and technology.
The hospital had originally planned to complete the upgrade
in 2027. The significant improvements in processing speed and image quality
align closely with the hospital’s strategic priorities of enhancing access to
care and reducing wait times. This led to a decision to accelerate the project
and bring the upgraded system to CCH one year earlier, allowing these enhanced
capabilities to reach our community sooner than originally anticipated.
The core magnet in an MRI machine typically has a lifespan of
30 to 40 years, but its surrounding electronics and software become outdated
much sooner, typically within 10 to 15 years. The machine was installed during
the construction of our West Wing in 2014, meaning many of its technological
components were already reaching the end of their service life and were no
longer on par with more modern MRI systems in terms of technology and
capabilities.
By replacing the machine’s outdated components while
retaining the fully functional core magnet, the result is essentially a
brand-new MRI machine equipped with modern technology that will support
improved imaging capabilities for years to come.
“This is similar to rebuilding a home from its foundation up
while retaining the original base structure,” explains Dr. Anastasios Boubalos,
Radiologist and Chief of Staff at CCH. “This approach has allowed us to
modernize imaging capabilities without the high cost and structural disruption
of a full replacement.”
Dr. Maryam Vakili, Radiologist and Chief of Diagnostic
Services at CCH, adds:
“Upgrading CCH’s MRI technology helps us assess and diagnose
results more accurately and efficiently, ultimately improving patient
experience, outcomes, and wait times.”
This upgrade also creates opportunities for expanded
functionality. The new system supports more advanced application compatibility,
including a planned breast MRI component later this year, which will allow
patients to receive this service locally at CCH for the first time. We will be
working with the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation this summer to help
bring this exciting addition to our community.
CCH continues to proactively invest in the tools and
technology required to help ensure local patients can continue accessing
high-quality and specialized care closer to home.