Advanced Imaging Close to Home: MRIs at AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital 

Patients in Chautauqua County, New York now have easier access to advanced diagnostic imaging, thanks to the latest MRI equipment at AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital. These machines help doctors to better understand what’s happening inside your body so you can get the right health care, when you need it.

What is an MRI, and why might you need one?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body, giving your care team clear views of your muscles and organs. While X-rays or CT scans are often used to look at bones, an MRI also helps doctors see what’s going on in the surrounding tissue. Your doctor might recommend you get an MRI if you have:

• Ongoing stomach or abdominal pain
• A bone fracture or dislocation
• Pain or weakness in your arms, knees, or shoulders
• Tumors that need closer examination

The latest MRI technology produces sharper, clearer images for radiologists to assess patients. Doctors use this information to plan your treatment and help you heal.

What to expect from your MRI at AHN Westfield Memorial

The MRI equipment at the hospital is wide bore, meaning the patient opening is bigger than traditional MRI machines and has more nose-to-machine space than a typical “open” MRI. This enlarged opening is designed to be less claustrophobic, helping you relax and feel comfortable during the scan.

“We know MRIs can make some people nervous, but our team is here to help you feel at ease,” said an AHN radiology supervisor at AHN Westfield Memorial. “These new machines are faster, quieter, and more comfortable — and they help us give your care team the accurate results they need.”

Because an MRI machine uses powerful magnets, before your scan, our MRI technologists will take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety. They’ll talk to you about:

• What you can and can’t wear. Most metal including jewelry and piercings need to be removed. Please discuss any metal that cannot be removed with the MRI technologist prior to your exam.
• Any tattoos you may have. Some large and older tattoos with iron oxide pigments in the ink can interact with the magnetic waves, leading to complications.
• Any implants you may have. We need to know about any medical devices, shrapnel, or foreign objects, as these could become unsafe in the scanner.

When it’s time to begin your scan, an MRI technologist will give you headphones to help block out the noise of the machine. They’ll then help you lie on a movable table that slides into the scanner. You’ll be instructed to lie very still so the machine can capture the clearest images possible. The MRI technologist will then begin the scan; it may be noisy, but it’s completely painless. The process can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area of your body being scanned.

Afterward, a radiologist will view the images and send a report to your doctor or other specialists to help better understand your condition and get you the treatment you need.

Schedule your MRI close to home

MRI technology is important in understanding your health. We’re proud to offer this diagnostic service for patients in the rural Chautauqua County community. If your doctor has recommended you get an MRI, learn more about AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital Imaging and find information about scheduling.