Southern New Hampshire Health Welcomes U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen to View New PET/CT Imaging System

by Keith Baldi, Manager of Enterprise Communications

Senator Helped Secure Federal Funding for the Technology, which is Used Regularly for Cancer Treatment

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center hosted U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess for a tour of the health system’s PET/CT imaging system that serves patients throughout the southern and central part of the state. Sen. Shaheen helped secure funding for the advanced technology through FY2024 Congressionally Directed Spending.

The GE Omni Legend PET/CT Imaging System helps physicians identify, assess, and track the progression of diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and brain disorders. The technology’s high sensitivity and AI-enabled capability create clearer images while reducing patient radiation exposure and scan time in the machine.

Senator Shaheen Appreciates Adding Access to Care in Southern NH

Southern NH Health’s director of radiology, along with members of the executive leadership team, led Senator Shaheen on a tour through the radiology department and the unit where the imaging system is located. The senator heard about the system’s functionality and how it uses cutting-edge technology for targeted cancer care.

“It’s vital that healthcare centers in our communities have the most up to date medical equipment and facilities so that they can better serve Granite Staters,” said Senator Shaheen. “With healthcare costs rising, I was glad to help Southern New Hampshire Health secure Congressionally Directed Spending to get a new PET/CT scanner and to see some of the work the hospital is doing to update their facilities so that patients can get the care they need right in Nashua.”

Only GE Omni Legend PET/CT System in NH

Southern NH Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in the state with full-time, in-house PET imaging capabilities, and the only in New Hampshire with the GE Omni Legend PET/CT system.

“Having a dedicated, full-time, hospital-based PET/CT imaging system like the one at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, allows us to see patients more quickly to meet their needs right here in their community,” said Michael Culbert, Director of Diagnostic Imaging Services at Southern NH Health. “Patients face shorter wait times, have an easier time making appointments, and having access right here at Southern NH Medical Center makes it much more convenient,” Culbert went on to say.

Instrumental in the Community

Nashau Mayor Jim Donchess also took part in the tour of the PET/CT facility. The mayor spoke with Southern NH Health leadership about how this type of developing technology helps community members get access to state-of-the-art treatment without having to go to Boston or wait for an appointment through a mobile PET/CT scan trailer unit.

Southern NH Health System has seen more than a 16.5% increase in exam volume since the machine came online, showing that when patients have access to a full-time PET/CT scanner when needed, they will remain in their community for care.

The availability of the GE Omni Legend at Southern NH Health expands care in several key areas, including oncology, emergency care, and inpatient and outpatient care. More precise imaging enables earlier detection, improved measurement of cancer in the body, faster treatment planning, and better patient outcomes.

For more information about diagnostic imagining or to book an appointment with a Southern New Hampshire provider offering these services, please click here.