The difference is clear.

The Winter Park Memorial Hospital Imaging Department offers a complete spectrum of the highest quality and latest technology in radiology services today, including our new PACS system for digital imaging.

High-Field Open MRI –

The first in Central Florida

Comfort and Quality

 Never before has there been an MRI system that provides a more comfortable setting. The new Philips Panorama at Winter Park Memorial Hospital is the only high-field MRI with open architecture in Central Florida, giving a clear, defined image, while putting you at ease. Our ambient environment will whisk you away to Europe or the tropics while the high-field quality provides the images your doctor needs to give an accurate diagnosis. Many patients are apprehensive about MRI scans for feelings of  claustrophobia. The Philips Panorama High-Field Open MRI at Winter Park Memorial Hospital offers a more comfortable experience, eliminating the confined spaces of the traditional closed MRI systems that you may be more familiar with. The equipment greatly takes your comfort and ease into consideration and you’ll discover that the test is painless and fairly quick. 

  A Walk in the Park

The Jim and Alexis Pugh MRI Center at Winter Park Memorial Hospital has a much better view than what you might expect during an MRI scan, including the use of sounds, music and imagery all working together to help relax you. During the procedure, ambient lighting is projected onto the walls to create an environment pre-selected by you. Imagine a travel adventure to Australia, a stroll in the tropics or an underwater adventure for your child.

 Unparalled Quality

In the past, physicians were reluctant to utilize open MRI systems because there was a perceptionthat they could not produce the same level of image quality as a traditional closed MRI. Luckily, the Philips Panorama High-Field Open MRI at Winter Park Memorial Hospital has changed that. You can now benefit from the best of both worlds. The open space will put you at ease and the high-field quality provides the images your doctor needs to give an accurate diagnosis. This puts you on the road torecovery faster. 

  Frequently Asked Questions:

 What if I have Claustrophobia?

 Some people worry that getting an MRI scan might be confining and uncomfortable. There are two types of MRI machines; a traditional MRI where you are in a tube that you enter either feet-first or head-first, and an open designed MRI with a wide space for a more comfortable experience. The Philips Panorama MRI is open, greatly reducing patient anxiety and claustrophobia.

 Will I be alone?

You will be in contact with one of our Winter Park technologist at all times. Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to talk to him or her by intercom. The open space also allows young children, disabled patients or elderly patient to be accompanied by a companion.

 What is Ambient Experience?

“We need more tests.” This statement from a doctor may scare and worry you, creating anxiety that can follow into the diagnostic imaging suite. The Ambient Experience both distracts and empowers you with lighting, room design, audio and choice of images, all working together to reassure, distract and relax you.

 What does Ambient Experience look like?

Ambient Experience comprises room design, lighting, animation and audio elements. You will have the choice of several different visual themes, each geared for different tastes and age groups – for example, travel themes, nature visuals or calming abstract patterns. By way of a touch screen you can actually initiate your own medical room environment.

 Why is environment important?

Until now, many diagnostic image scanning environments have not been welcoming or comfortable for patients, especially children. Environments can help empower, distract, calm or relax you. In some cases, the Ambient Experience may be able to reduce the need for sedation, making scanning a shorter and less complicated procedure.

 How does Ambient Experience affect the quality of the scan?

The elements of Ambient Experience room design are separate from the actual scanning equipment, so state-of-the-art scanning technology is not affected in any way. The environment can, however, help the people who use the scanning equipment to be more relaxed and productive and make the experience nicer for patients and family members. 

  Take A Walk In the Park

If your doctor orders an MRI scan for you, rest assured that getting a comfortable diagnosticscan is easy. MRI scans are done on an outpatient basis and the co-pay is the same as other types of MRI systems. Also, for your added convenience, Winter Park Memorial offers valet service and dedicated parking in front of the Jim and Alexis Pugh MRI Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 646-7798.

PEM -

The highest resolution breast imaging tool available

 Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) allows doctors to see breast cancer as small as a grain of rice. With the ability to determine the exact location and size of suspicious lumps, doctors can be confident that they have the best treatment options and/or surgical plans in place. Doctors may also use PEM to monitor treatment or to check for a recurrence of the disease. In addition to treating women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, PEM is also an alternative for women who cannot undergo breast MRI for reasons such as medical implants, claustrophobia, or obesity.

Winter Park Memorial Hospital is the only area hospital to offer the new PEM Flex Scanner, or PEM (Positron Emission Mammography) to patients. With PEM, physicians can now visualize breast cancers in earlier stages and in greater detail than ever before. PEM is also a breakthrough for women with concerns about breast health, or who are unable to undergo mammography due to implants, dense breasts or other circumstances.

For more information call 407-646-7798.

PACS - A Revolution in Access

Utilizing the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) within our entire network of 17 area hospitals, radiology images are captured digitally and can be accessed through a secure online network within the Florida Hospital system.

Additionally, digital images can be manipulated for a closer and better look at a particular spot allowing both the radiologist and physician to better assess what they are viewing. And in the long run, PACS is less costly, too!

 Other Imaging Services include:

• GE multi-slice CT scanner
• GE 1.5 Tesla MRI system - short bore
• Helical CT
• Stryker Navigator (pre-surgical Sinus CT)
• Digital X-ray and fluoroscopy
• Ultrasound (women's and vascular), including 4D
• Nuclear medicine
• Osteoporosis screening
• Screening Mammography
• Interventional radiology specialty procedures

Other beneficial services include:

• Appointment scheduling
• Point-of-service registration
• Guest services liaison
• Complimentary valet parking
• Drive-through film pick-up