With much fanfare, One Brooklyn Health (OBH) – Brookdale Medical Center unveiled a new 1.5 Tesla General Electric (GE) MRI machine equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology and a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.

Guyanese-American Sharon Devonish-Leid, OBH director of external/public affairs, told Caribbean Life that the renovation and acquisition of the MRI machine were made possible by funding through former New York State Assembly Member and current US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry and New York State Sen. Roxanne Persaud.

“Over four years ago, they came together to break ground on what is now a modern suite that will better serve our Radiology Department and the community,” she said.

The new 1.5 Tesla General Electric (GE) MRI machine is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology and can hold up to 500 pounds.Photo by Nelson A. King

“This advanced machine will significantly improve our ability to provide specialized MRI procedures, including cardiac, breast, prostate, angiography, neurological, and more,” added Devonish-Leid, who organized the ribbon-cutting ceremony in less than five days. 

Sen. Roxaane Persaud addresses unveiling ceremony, as Dr. Rev. Waterman, vice chair, OBH Board of Trustees looks on, and Dr. Chris Paras, executive director, Brookdale Hospital behind podium. Photo by Nelson A. King

Perry, who trekked from Jamaica exclusively for the unveiling ceremony, was on hand, as well as Perry’s successor, Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, representative for the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn; Sen. Persaud, the Guyanese-born representative for the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn; Assembly Member Latrice Walker, representative for the 55th Assembly District in Brooklyn; and New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, the Haitian-born representative for the 46th City Council District, also in Brooklyn.

Several leading hospital and labor union officials and community figures also participated in and witnessed the ceremony.

Dr. Sandra Scott, interim CEO of OBH, addresses the ribbon-cutting ceremony, flanked by Guyanese-American Sharon Devonish-Leid, OBH director of external/public affairs.Photo by Nelson A. King

They included Dr. Sandra Scott, interim CEO of OBH; Dr. Chris Paras, executive director of Brookdale Hospital; Dr. Kirwon Gibbs, OBH chair of radiology; Wayne Jordan, director of radiology; Dr. Rev. Waterman, vice chair of the OBH Board of Trustees; and Dalis Jean-Baptiste, 1199 delegate.

Dr. Scott thanked Perry and Persaud, stating that OBH has improved its capability with their support.

Dominican-born Dr. Kirwon Gibbs, OBH chair of radiology, addresses the ceremony.Photo by Nelson A. King

Dominican-born Dr. Gibbs said that the new, better-quality MRI will allow the hospital to conduct studies twice as fast as the previous equipment.

“This machine is like a God-send,” he said.

Trinidadian-born Wayne Jordan, director of radiology, addresses the ceremony, with Dr. Sandra Scott, interim CEO, OBH, in the background.Photo by Nelson A. King

Trinidadian-born Jordan, who joined Brookdale University Hospital as the radiology administrator on May 21, 2018, told Caribbean Life that one of his first tasks was to evaluate the department’s needs, including equipment, with an updated MRI machine high on the list.

“The system we had was installed around 1995; it was upgraded some years later and is now at the end of its useful life,” he said. “This unit has served the organization well over time. “However, advancement in technology in the past 30 years have limited our ability to perform new and updated MRI imaging procedures to effectively meet the needs of our patients.”

Jordan said the new GE Signa Artis, 1.5 Tesla MRI system boasts the latest technology design “to increase efficiency, improve productivity, maximize diagnostic potential, and installed to enhance the safety and experience of our patients.

Dr. Chris Paras, executive director of Brookdale Hospital, addresses the ceremony.Photo by Nelson A. King

“This new equipment is a testament of our vision, which is to ensure that we provide the best imaging technology to aid in the diagnosis of the various health issues commonly seen in the communities we serve,” said Jordan, stating that the new MRI machine can perform advanced procedures, such as cardiac, breast, prostate, magnetic resonance enterography, rectal cancer surveillance and treatment planning, and small body parts not routinely done on older MRI systems.

He said additional features include the use of Air Coil technology “to aid in a more simplified, faster workflow while maintaining excellent image quality, a wider scanning bore, and a 50 % reduction in procedure scan times.”

Dominican-born Dr. Kirwon Gibbs, OBH chair of radiology, addresses the ceremony.Photo by Nelson A. King

“This is an investment in our community,” Persaud told the ceremony. “We will continue to fund as much as possible. We have a number of things we’re funding in the pipeline. We’ll continue to work with OBH.”

Perry said: “I’m really happy we’ve come so far. We’re proud of the job you’re doing here (turning to Dr. Scott).

“I’ve read about Brookdale,” he said. “Things are getting better.

“I was just the vessel,” Perry added. “I had the opportunity to do some things for the community.”

Walker said: “We know how hard Mr. Perry worked. This is his legacy.

“No matter where he is, his heart is in the community,” she added. “It’s a pleasure to stand here and support.”

Chandler-Waterman said she was “glad to acknowledge that $1.5 million come to fruition,” stating that “the community needs the MRI.”

Narcisse said Perry had represented the community well, hoping that “everybody can follow” his legacy.

Jean-Baptiste said his “heart is bursting” and added, “All of you, elected officials, thank you.”