Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center brings first 3T MRI unit to Niagara County

General Electric Signa Pioneer 3 Tesla MRI at MRI Imaging Center of Niagara ‘delivers unparalleled diagnostic precision for the Niagara County community’

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Press Release

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) announced the opening of its MRI Imaging Center of Niagara, a landmark development in Niagara County's medical diagnostic capabilities.

Located on NFMMC's downtown Tenth Street campus, the center is equipped with the groundbreaking 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit from GE Healthcare. It will begin welcoming outpatient appointments beginning the week of March 18, offering unprecedented access to superior diagnostic imaging services.

The new MRI Imaging Center will provide advanced imaging for our patients in-house, including those at the ER1 emergency department, Heart Center and Oncology Center, without the need for transportation to another site and the resulting delay in diagnosis.

"Introducing our new 3T MRI unit is a significant step towards providing health care equity and accessibility, especially for those facing economic challenges, living in vulnerable communities, or dealing with special needs and mental health issues," NFMMC President and CEO Joseph Ruffolo said. “Memorial is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the highest-quality diagnostic care, regardless of their circumstances. This initiative demonstrates our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and the well-being of our entire community."

A look at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit from GE Healthcare. (Submitted photo)

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The opening of the MRI Imaging Center marks the culmination of a $3 million project, introducing the first 3T MRI technology to the region. This initiative not only expands NFMMC’s capabilities in downtown Niagara Falls, but also represents a significant step forward in the battle against cancer and other diseases in a community facing above-average cancer rates.

Early detection is crucial in Niagara County when it comes to cancer. The mortality rate for breast cancer is 18.2% higher here than the state average, while prostate cancer mortality exceeds the statewide rate by over 27%.

The MRI Imaging Center offers precise detection of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and early-stage cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Additionally, the 3T MRI unit will provide highly detailed musculoskeletal imaging, addressing the growing demand for advanced scans – and eliminating the need for patients to travel for diagnostic purposes.

Southtowns Radiology, serving as NFMMC's diagnostic imaging partner, will manage the operations of the MRI Imaging Center. Southtowns Radiology is recognized as one of the leading medical imaging providers in Western New York, and it brings its expertise, along with a team of over 20 board-certified radiologists, to support the diagnostic imaging needs of Memorial's patients.

The 3T MRI unit's superior imaging capabilities will facilitate early detection of various conditions at treatable stages, significantly reducing health disparities in Niagara County by providing faster results and improving patient outcomes.

The new MRI Imaging Center highlights NFMMC’s commitment to accessible health care for the Niagara Region. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 716-278-4341.