UM Shore Regional Health Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For Newly Renovated Interventional Radiology Suite

The Interventional Radiology (IR) suite at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton recently underwent major renovations to accommodate new X-ray equipment. Due to the size of the new equipment, the room has been completely revamped, including new cabinetry and flooring, an updated control room and a new area for team members to scrub-in. The cost of the project was $2.3 million.

“Our prior equipment was more than 20 years old,” said Penny Olivi, Director, Radiology Services, UM Shore Regional Health. “With this completely upgraded room and the state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment, we are now able to offer new, more complex procedures that will help patients with minimally invasive interventions.”

The Interventional Radiology suite typically sees about 100 patients each month and the IR team provides clinical support for all areas within UM SRH; however, the key areas where the team provides the most support are cancer care and dialysis access.

The new suite was designed so that it could be completely disassembled, down to the cabinetry, and then reassembled and integrated into UM Shore Regional Health’s new regional hospital, set to open in 2028.

“This is groundbreaking technology and a huge advantage for our Shore communities,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO, UM Shore Regional Health. “Knowing we could safely transfer the equipment to the new regional medical center, we wanted to offer this state-of-the-art advanced care to our patients now. And now patients don’t have to travel across the Bay Bridge for this type of expert care and minimally invasive procedures. They’re available right here, close to home.”

Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat disease and a wide range of conditions in the body by utilizing various small tools, such as catheters or wires. X-ray and imaging techniques, such as CT and ultrasound help guide the radiologist. Interventional radiology can be used instead of surgery for many conditions, and in some cases, it can eliminate the need for hospitalization. Interventional radiologists work closely with a patient’s care team and play an important role in a patient’s treatment plan.

UM SRH Radiology Services also partners with the Radiologic Sciences Degree Program at Chesapeake College. The partnership allows X-ray students to attend clinical rotations in all UM Shore Regional Health facilities. Many current members of the Shore Radiology team attended Chesapeake College’s program and this ongoing partnership enables UM SRH staff to share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of Radiologic Technologist (RT) graduates.

Interventional Radiology (IR) training is also provided onsite by UM SRH Radiology Services. General X-ray technologists with an interest in this intense, minimally invasive surgical approach to diagnosis and treatment are trained by experienced and skilled techs and the IR Radiologist team, Dale Johnson, MD, and Brian Callahan, MD. There is also an advanced certification in IR available to UM SRH team members.