What's New at Perry...

Digital mammography
Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton has expanded its health and wellness services available to women with the addition of a new Selenia digital mammography system from Hologic.  Digital mammography will allow Perry to provide its patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer.  This latest diagnostic technology allows the radiologist to view the image more closely zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas, enabling them to make immediate decisions about additional images.  The radiologist can magnify the images, increase or decrease the contrast and invert the black and white values while reading the images.  Digital mammography takes less than half the time of traditional film-based exams and the radiologist may review the images while the patient is in the examination room.

To supplement this technology Perry Memorial has incorporated digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD), the first of its kind in the area.  Digital CAD highlights characteristics commonly associated with breast cancer.  When activated, it flags abnormalities to help the radiologist detect early breast cancer.  CAD is, in essence, a second set of eyes to support and enhance the radiologists’ judgment.

The change to digital mammography will completely cease the creation of film images of any kind at Perry.  The technology of x-ray was discovered in 1895 and eight years later x-ray technology arrived at Perry Memorial Hospital.  Now, 114 years later, films at Perry have been totally replaced by digital imagery.  The hospital’s x-ray film processes and all chemicals associated with the film method will be discontinued raising the quality of care that can be offered to patients.

For more information, please contact 815-876-2291 or ask your physician.

Dr. Paul Beck
Perry is proud to introduce Dr. Paul Beck, Orthopedic Surgeon.  Dr. Beck received his medical degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.  He completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, IL and did an Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT.   Dr. Beck will be performing the following procedures at Perry:   Hip, Knees/& Shoulder-Total Joint Replacement, Carpal Tunnel, Knee & Shoulder Arthroscopy, Fracture Care, A-1 Pulley Release, Knee-ACL Repair, Rotator Cuff Repair,
Trigger finger Release, Injections and more.  Dr. Beck is seeing patients in the Perry Memorial Orthopedic and Sports Medicine clinic in Suite 306 at Perry.

New Radiology Equipment
Perry’s Radiology Department has purchased a Somatom 64-Slice CT Scanner and new software.  This new scanner and software allows the physician to visualize the finest anatomical details in even more crisp, clear images.  The speed, high definition, coverage and power, without compromise, enables sharp explanation of even the smallest details in a few seconds.  One of the most exciting advantages of this new top-end technology is that this 64-slice scanner will now allow cardiac imaging for patients right at Perry.   Clinical benefits of the new scanner include a large opening of 78 cm and high capacity table with a 485 lb patient weight capacity making it ideal for Bariatric Imaging.  Perry is proud to offer this bigger, better, faster CT Scanner to its patients.

Another state-of-the-art piece of equipment Perry has purchased is a new Discovery Bone Densitometer.  Through superior image quality, this new Bone Densitometer combines the clinical value of bone mineral density measurement and vertebral fracture assessment for patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia.  The exclusive design utilizes a “one pass” single sweep and multi-element detector enabling rapid bone density measurements and evaluating fracture risk.  Features of the new Bone Densitometer include image repositioning which allows image centering without moving the patient, delivers hip and spine scans almost instantly and with no operator intervention by automatically identifying the region of interest, provides clear, crisp images for superior prediction of fracture risk and many other features.  Medicare will cover routine diagnostic screenings for osteoporosis patients using Perry’s new Bone Densitometer. 

Phase III Construction
Phase III construction is underway.  It includes relocating the Hospital Gift shop in order to renovate the Hospital Main Entrance to provide better handicap accessibility, install mechanical upgrades to remain in compliance with State regulations, and update all public areas on the ground and first floors of the Hospital to match the décor in the Emergency/Outpatient Services areas.  This phase will also include the renovation and relocation of the Hospital Chapel which is now complete.  The chapel relocation was necessary due to the current chapel location being needed for the installation of new mechanical equipment.  The main entrance off Fifth Street will also have a new and fresh look when this construction is completed.  The estimated completion date is April 2010.