Sidney Health Center is excited to announce that it is now offering in-house PET/CT scans, marking an important milestone in expanding access to advanced cancer care for patients throughout eastern Montana and western North Dakota.

Made possible through a $2.3 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the new Canon Cartesion Prime Digital PET/CT scanner replaces the hospital's previous mobile PET/CT service with a permanent imaging system located in the Cancer Care Department. The grant was written and submitted by the Foundation for Community Care, helping secure the funding needed to bring this advanced technology to Sidney Health Center. This advancement allows patients to receive important diagnostic imaging closer to home, with greater flexibility in scheduling and improved coordination of care.

"It's exciting to see this project become a reality and know that patients are now benefiting from this technology," said Jennifer Doty, CEO of Sidney Health Center. "Having a permanent PET/CT scanner is an important step in strengthening the cancer care services we provide. It allows us to better meet the needs of patients throughout our region and make advanced imaging more accessible."

PET/CT imaging plays an important role in diagnosing, staging and monitoring cancer. By combining two types of imaging into one exam, physicians can see detailed images of the body's structures and how tissues and organs are functioning. This information helps identify cancer, determine whether it has spread and evaluate how well treatment is working. The new scanner features advanced digital imaging technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements designed to produce high-quality images, along with a wider opening to improve patient comfort.

In addition to PET/CT imaging, the equipment can be used for CT imaging to help plan radiation therapy treatments. This allows patients who need radiation therapy to complete their imaging and treatment planning within the Cancer Care Department, making the process more convenient and reducing the need to travel between departments.

Previously, Sidney Health Center relied on a mobile PET/CT unit that was available just one day a week. With the new permanent scanner, PET/CT scans will now be offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, giving patients more scheduling options and allowing for better coordination of care.

"Having PET/CT imaging available right here in Sidney is a tremendous benefit for our patients," said Taryn McMillen, Imaging Services Director at Sidney Health Center. "Instead of planning appointments around a mobile unit's schedule or traveling out of town, we can offer greater flexibility and better coordinate imaging with other services. It helps make an already stressful time a little easier for patients and their families."

For Bill Lewis, one of the first patients to receive a scan using the new equipment, having PET/CT imaging available in Sidney is a welcome convenience. After a history of smoking, Lewis underwent lung imaging that revealed nodules. Although the nodules have not required treatment, he continues to receive PET/CT scans to monitor for changes. He has received scans in both Sidney and Billings.

Traveling to Billings for previous scans meant arranging transportation, finding someone to accompany him and managing the additional time and expense of traveling for care. With the new scanner just a few miles from home, Lewis appreciates how much simpler the process has become.

"Oh, it just makes everything simpler, easier, cheaper," Lewis shared. "I'm just glad that they've got it here."

With the addition of permanent PET/CT imaging, Sidney Health Center continues to strengthen its comprehensive cancer care services by bringing advanced diagnostics, treatment planning, medical oncology and radiation therapy together in one convenient location. This milestone reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality cancer care for patients throughout the region.

"This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our team and the generosity of those who support rural healthcare," Doty added. "We're grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for making this possible and proud of the work that went into bringing this service to Sidney. Most importantly, we're excited about the difference it will make for our patients and their families."