Independence Health System Unveils New MRI Technology at Clarion Hospital, Enhancing Imaging Services to the Community

Clarion, PA, March 26, 2025 – Independence Health System’s Clarion Hospital today unveiled its state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and newly renovated suite during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The renovations, which began in October 2024, were funded by health system capital improvement funds to replace aging equipment and enhance patient care. The updates include new furniture in the waiting area, improved lighting, a new skylight, and updates to the check-in area, dressing room, cabinetry, and flooring. The renovations accompanied the installation of a new 1.5T Canon MRI machine. Hospital leadership and Independence Health System employees attended the event to mark the project’s completion.

“The new MRI technology not only advances our diagnostic capabilities but ensures a more comfortable and less stressful experience to patients seeking our care,” said Karen Allen, president of Clarion & Butler Memorial Hospitals. “Independence Health System remains committed to keeping high-quality healthcare in the community, limiting the need for patients to travel far to seek specialized care.”

Canon Medical’s Immersive MR Theater technology enhances the patient experience during MRI scans with its advanced technology, offering sharper images and faster scan times. Its exclusive Pianissimo™ quiet scan technology helps reduce acoustic noise, allowing patients to easily listen to the in-ear audio. The MR Theater also offers engaging visual focal points of peaceful images and videos on a dome-shaped screen inside the bore, that moves with the patient, providing a more comforting and relaxing environment during the scanning process. 

For added patient comfort, the machine has a shorter magnet with a wider bore of 71cm, creating a more open and less claustrophobic environment. The advanced theater system and additional space can help alleviate anxiety and claustrophobia, offering a more relaxed experience. The new machine also includes flexible coils for better positioning of different body shapes and sizes.

MRI scans use large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to capture clear, detailed images of the inside of the body, including organs, tissues and bones. These images are crucial for diagnosing a wide range medical conditions. The new machine can perform head and brain, vascular, neck and spine, pelvic, breast, joint and extremity scans. Clarion Hospital performs approximately 2000 MRI scans annually. 

“Investing in this cutting-edge MRI technology is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible care for our community. The enhanced imaging capabilities and patient-friendly features will significantly improve the diagnostic process and patient experience,” said Terry Sherry, Radiology and Imaging Services Manager at Clarion Hospital.

To learn more about the comprehensive imaging services offered at Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health/services/imaging. 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health