Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, a Catholic Health facility, held a blessing and dedication ceremony for its new MRI Suite housed inside a newly-constructed 8,100-square-foot addition to the hospital. The $5.1 million project features a new Siemens 3T Magnetom Skyra MRI scanner, as well as a state of the art control room, holding and outpatient waiting areas, and a dedicated office space.

"This 3 Tesla MRI scanner offers our patients the gold standard in technology and the most powerful magnetic strength available for high quality imaging," said Mercy President & CEO C.J. Urlaub. "With enhanced capabilities for clear and concise imaging of cardiac diseases and neurological disorders, this new MRI system supports the care provided at the Catholic Health Heart Center at Mercy Hospital and the Mercy Comprehensive Stroke Center."

The new MRI features a larger "bore" or scanner opening and a shorter bore length that provides a more comfortable experience, especially for elderly or obese patients and individuals who may have claustrophobia, excessive pain or limited mobility.

In addition, patients can benefit from shorter scan times, as well as mood lighting and music to create a calming environment.