Hospital awaits word on MRI grant

Whitman Hospital and Medical Center has applied for a $500,000 USDA grant to upgrade its MRI services at the hospital. Interim Hospital Director Gary Peck said they expect to get word about the grant application in about six weeks.

Almost half of the grant proceeds would be used for 3D imaging equipment for breast evaluation, Peck said. The rest would be used for development of a space in the hospital for installation of the MRI equipment.

The present MRI unit is a former mobile unit located along the north side of the hospital. Entry to the former mobile trailer is done through a hospital door.

Peck said the hospital now has a contract with Alliance to provide MRI services.

During the hospital’s 2008 remodeling, a space was reserved for MRI installation, but the space was not finished. When finished, it will be able to accommodate most types of MRI machines.

The district has issued a call for offers for qualified services for firms to prepare a preliminary design, cost estimates, detailed construction design and engineering services.

Peck said the district received no replies to the first round of advertising and will continue to advertise.

Before construction, the eventual design would need to be approved by the state, Peck said.