Changing the Image of Local Healthcare

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Greene County Medical Center CEO, Chad Butterfield, has announced that minor construction work will soon begin in the Imaging Department as the organization prepares for the arrival of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit.

“Back in 2015, during a major renovation of the medical center, leadership had the foresight to include a dedicated space within our Imaging Department to one day house an MRI machine,” Butterfield shared. “That future-focused decision is now coming to life. A decade later, we are proud to move forward with the necessary updates to bring this important service in-house for the patients and communities we serve. The modifications required are minimal, and we anticipate delivery of the new MRI unit within the next six to nine months. Most importantly, this means we will soon be able to offer MRI services daily, based on patient need.”  

An MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-definition views of internal organs, tissues and bones. It plays a critical role in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. The machine itself is a large, tube-shaped device that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images, helping providers make informed decisions about patient care.  

“That empty room has been in our department since 2015 and we have all dreamed of having this in-house since then,” said Imaging Director, Heather Booth. “It just makes sense. Our current volumes can more than support it and we can continue to grow the service. We will be able to offer it five days a week, patient comfort will be greatly enhanced and perhaps the biggest benefit is that our Team will be providing that care. Many of our department members live and work in Jefferson or the surrounding communities. They have family and friends in the area and are a familiar, comforting presence when patients are going through these procedures.” Booth adds the new unit to be installed is exactly what is currently being added in larger, metropolitan hospitals. It has the latest, most state-of-the-art technology available, and she is working closely with providers and medical center leaders on processes and scheduling for access to this service on an as-needed basis.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring more healthcare options to our region,” Butterfield said. “We do ask that you bear with us through some minor disruptions in facility flow as we prepare for delivery of the new unit. We also thank you, because your trust in and support of the care we provide makes it possible for us to expand options that ensure rural healthcare remains vibrant and viable.”

Currently, Greene County Medical Center partners with Shared Medical, who provides mobile MRI services via a semi-trailer unit that visits Jefferson two mornings per week. This arrangement will remain in place until the new MRI system is fully installed, tested and operational, which is expected to be in late 2025 or early 2026.