By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Since retaking the reins as CEO of Castleview Hospital in March, Mark Holyoak has striven to accomplish the hospital’s goal of making communities healthier.
As part of this goal, the hospital has installed a new, state-of-the-art MRI machine with the aim of enhancing diagnostics and improving patient comfort. To celebrate this innovation, Castleview is hosting a ribbon-cutting/open house on Thursday, Oct. 2, from noon to 1 p.m. to unveil the new machine.
Holyoak joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss the new piece of technology and how it will benefit the Castle Country.
Speaking first on the process of replacing the old MRI machine and bringing the new one in, Holyoak shared,” We’ve had a lot of fun with this process. The magnet, which makes up the MRI, is a pretty big ordeal when we bring a new one in. And so we demolished the building it was in, removed the magnet, the MRI machine and then brought in a new building. We got it all attached and hooked up and finally brought in the new magnet. And so the MRI is now in place. And so we did a lot of celebrations along the way. Employees, medical staff, everyone, we’re very excited to have this.”
Speaking on the specifics, Holyoak explained,” As we strive to meet our mission in making communities healthier, it’s so important that we have the latest and greatest technology for diagnostics. MRI is a diagnostic tool used by almost every physician and provider to determine what is going on with a person. And then we get that diagnosis and the treatment plan. And so we have the latest and greatest, complete with all the bells and whistles. So there is no better MRI machine in the entire state. In fact, I would even say a multistate region.”
Holyoak continued,” We decided to ensure that this was the best for the community and the individuals that we serve. We added a noise reduction package. And so I’ve had many MRIs myself. And so I’ve already tested out the new one. And it is a world of difference … The noise was almost nonexistent with this new MRI.”
The CEO also examined the addition through the lens of rural health care,” In rural health care settings, we really need to make sure that we’re taking care of our own. And so, all the communities we serve here in Castle Country have access to the best diagnostics. There is no need for anyone to have to travel over the treacherous canyon or anywhere else for services, because really, you’re not going to get any better.”
He added,” Not only have we done the noise reduction package, but we’ve also upgraded the table that you lie on. And so, having to lie still during the MRI, this one is a whole lot more comfortable, as well as another concern of individuals going in for an MRI is claustrophobia. What we have acquired is the larger bore, and so a little more room in there. So the claustrophobia factor is not nearly what it was. And all of these things are important, because health care sometimes does cause us all some anxiety.”
With one project complete, Holyoak and Castleview are already looking ahead to the future: “We’ve got some pretty exciting things coming up next. We’re going to replace our CT scan, which is another pricey piece of equipment and a diagnostic tool that we use in imaging for CT scans. And so that one will be started here, probably in about a month. And then we’ll get started on that project and get a new, latest, greatest CT scan machine.”
The CEO also previewed an addition he has been eying since beginning his second stint at the hospital, a behavioral health unit. “In rural health care, it is important that we’re always staying on top of things to meet the needs of our community. That behavioral health unit will take several months to complete, but it is something that is needed so that patients aren’t just sitting in an ER somewhere in the state waiting for a bed for an inpatient mental health crisis or whatever the case may be. We’re able to take care of that right here in Castle Country, right here at Castleview Hospital.”
Closing our conversation, Holyoak gave a shoutout to the people who make the hospital run: the staff. “One of the very best things, if you ever come into the hospital, is the staff. I can tell you that our team is phenomenal. You are not going to find a more friendly, competent and enthusiastic team that will take care of your individual needs than we have right here at Castleview Hospital. So please, if you need a diagnostic, come on down and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”
