CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital has completed an upgrade to its diagnostic imaging services with the addition of a new mammography system, an ultrasound unit and a multipurpose fluoroscopy room, the hospital confirmed this week. Administrators say the acquisition is intended to improve diagnostic accuracy, shorten procedure times and enhance the patient experience.
New equipment and what it will do
The imaging suite now features a Hologic mammography system, a Philips ultrasound unit and a Siemens Rad/Fluoro room. Hospital officials say the technology provides higher-quality images and additional functionality for a range of diagnostic and interventional procedures.
- Mammography (Hologic): Faster exams, improved image resolution and an ergonomic paddling design aimed at improving patient comfort and aiding earlier detection of small cancers.
- Ultrasound (Philips): Enhanced imaging capability to support a variety of clinical assessments.
- Fluoroscopy / X‑ray (Siemens Rad/Fluoro): Usable as a standard X‑ray room or as a fluoroscopy suite for barium studies, joint injections, myelograms and other special procedures.
| Equipment | Primary uses |
|---|---|
| Hologic mammography | Breast screening and diagnostic mammograms; quicker exams and ergonomic design |
| Philips ultrasound | Soft-tissue and abdominal imaging, diagnostic support |
| Siemens Rad/Fluoro room | Fluoroscopic studies, interventional procedures, standard X‑rays |
Local impact and patient experience
Hospital leaders framed the upgrade as an investment in earlier detection and safer, more comfortable care. Improved image clarity can affect clinical decision-making by enabling radiologists to identify subtle findings sooner, which may influence treatment options and outcomes.
For patients undergoing mammography, the hospital emphasised the potential comfort benefits of the new system’s curved paddle and reduced exam time. The fluoroscopy unit has also been described as designed to reduce physical strain for patients during procedures.
“We are pleased to introduce this advanced imaging technology to patients at St. Thomas More Hospital,” said Dr. Gabriel Johnson, the hospital’s lead radiologist. “This investment reflects our vision — a healthier future for all, driven by innovation and powered by our humanity. With improved image clarity and advanced features, we can detect abnormalities earlier and with greater confidence, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.”
Access and referrals
The hospital said people with a physician referral who need a mammogram or an ultrasound can arrange an appointment by telephone. The number provided for scheduling was 719-285-2255.
Officials have not released details on whether the new equipment will change wait-list times for imaging or expand hours of operation. Those are key factors for local patients who rely on timely access for screening and diagnostic follow-up. The installation does, however, reflect a broader effort within hospital systems to refresh ageing imaging fleets and improve diagnostic capability.
For St. Thomas residents, the upgrade may mean fewer travel demands for certain diagnostic procedures, particularly for patients who previously had to seek specialised imaging outside the community. The enhanced ultrasound and fluoroscopy capabilities also support a wider range of procedures that are part of outpatient care and interventional radiology.
As the hospital integrates the new technology into clinical workflows, radiology staff and clinicians will likely monitor image quality, procedure times and patient feedback to measure the real-world benefits of the investment.
The announcement positions CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital as continuing to modernise local diagnostic services. Community members with questions about specific tests, eligibility or referral pathways should contact their family physician or the hospital’s imaging department.
