TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation is celebrating the addition of a mobile MRI unit for the W.W. Hastings Hospital.

The $2 million dollar unit is part of a $6 million dollar investment to the improving the hospital system.

“Cherokee Nation continues our investment in health care with this state-of-the-art, patient-centered imaging technology that represents the next generation of clinical care,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “I’m extremely proud of our efforts to ensure the story of the Cherokee people continues by improving the health and quality of life for our citizens. Our record investment in our best-in-Indian-Country health care system is positively changing the lives of Cherokee families for generations to come.”

Before the mobile MRI unit, patients had to go off site for an MRI. The mobile unit is faster and more comfortable for the patient.

“Patients will be given the choice to scan either head first or feet first for each scan to help mitigate any problems with claustrophobia,” Jones said. “The quieter operation and wide bore of this system will help ease the apprehension often felt by many of our patients.”

Eventually, the Cherokee Nation will build a new, $400 million dollar hospital to replace the aging W.W. Hastings Hospital. The proposal was shared last year.

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