Benefits of new MRI touted (02/15/08)

To the editor:

This past summer, my wife Janice and I participated in the capital fund drive for Jay County Hospital. We made a sizeable pledge and asked 10 others to do the same.

In seeking support from others, we stressed all the improvements and enlarging of various departments that were planned. We were especially excited about the installation of a new state-of-the-art MRI machine.

I injured my knee in late November and had to get an MRI. It was done in the trailer of a semi parked at the east end of the hospital. It was not an unpleasant experience, but I was glad when it was finished. The space for the machine was limited and, therefore, the machine was not very large. The surroundings were kind of dim. But the two men in charge did the best they could.

This past Thursday, I had to have another MRI done. Wow. It was performed in the new part of the hospital's radiology department, and what a neat set-up we have now for our use.

The machine is big and the room is large and cheery. I laid down to start the procedure and looked up at the ceiling. Instead of staring at the inside of a truck, I was suddenly stunned to see a beautiful spring scene, a 4-foot by 15-foot skylight with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and fruit trees blooming with red and yellow blossoms. I was provided earphones, with Big Band music (at my request) piped in to muffle the noice of the procedure.

What an improvement in the hospital's facilities. I laid there and thought how glad I was that my wife and I were a part of making it happen last summer. Thanks to all the great people of Jay County who are helping.

Rogers Durham

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