The Permian Regional Medical Center, based on the original Andrews Strategic Action Plan findings and increased demand, is in the midst of a technological upgrade, according to Randy Richards, CEO.

That effort will be enhanced through the addition of new magnetic resonance imaging equipment and a 3,000-square foot imaging center. 

This facility is already under construction and will be known as the Dr. Brian and Sue Gordon Imaging Center.  PRMC’s technological update also included the purchase of a 64-Slice CT added last spring.  The new MRI and CT were purchased together from Phillips Corporation for a total cost of around $2.7 million, according to Richards. 

“The CT has already proved to be a sound investment,” Richards said.  PRMC has nearly doubled its monthly scan numbers since having the new technology. 

A bid of $890,000 from BBC Construction of Waxahachie was accepted for the project.  BBC Construction has worked on numerous imaging center projects, Richards added, and should have this project completed in March. 

The medical center has been providing MRI services from a trailer by the north side of the facility.  However, recent legislation calls for mobile trailers housing diagnostic equipment to be attached to the facility with enclosures and sewer services.

”The project requires completion before June for PRMC to be compliant with state legislation,” Richards said.

Richards said the imaging center couldn’t be named after more deserving individuals.  Dr. Gordon retired from PRMC in August 2006 after a long and fulfilling career. 

“Dr. Gordon and his wife Sue gave to this community for more than 40 years,” he said.  “This is not near what we owe them, but it will give them some longstanding recognition so people don’t forget them in the long-term for what they’ve done for Andrews and the development of the medical community here.”

The Dr. Brian and Sue Gordon Imaging Center will be attached to the north side of the medical center facility.