One Year of Advanced CT at WCHS- Built for Our Community

When Weston County Health Services began planning for a new CT scanner, the project was about much more than replacing a piece of equipment.

It was about making an investment in local care.

On October 14, 2025, that investment became a reality when WCHS scanned the first patient on its new Philips Incisive 5100 CT. Since then, the upgraded scanner has become an important part of emergency and diagnostic care at WCHS, completing more than 1,000 CT exams during its first year of service.

For a rural community, having advanced imaging close to home can make a meaningful difference.

A First Patient and a New Beginning

Deb Sweet was the first patient scanned on the upgraded CT equipment.

Like many patients, Sweet admits she can feel uneasy in enclosed spaces. What she remembers most from her experience, however, was the reassurance she received from the WCHS Radiology team.

“They were reassuring and attentive,” Sweet said

That first scan marked the beginning of a new chapter for Radiology at WCHS. One year later, Sweet still believes strongly in the importance of supporting the care available locally.

“Always go local when you can,” she said. “We have a fine hospital with dedicated employees.”

One Year by the Numbers

1,023 — CT exams performed on the new scanner (Oct. 14, 2025–Oct. 4, 2026)

3,000+ — Images may be generated during some exams

~18% — Reduction in radiation on head CT scans

Oct. 14, 2025 — Scanner went live

Nov. 18, 2025 — Official ribbon cutting

More Than 1,000 Exams Close to Home

From October 14, 2025, through October 4, 2026, WCHS performed 1,023 CT exams on the upgraded scanner. While the number itself represents hundreds of patients who needed answers, the larger story is what the new technology enables the WCHS team to provide.

Radiology Manager Keisha Brueggeman, R.T.(R)(M)(CT)(ARRT), said the scanner’s speed has been one of its greatest advantages.

Some CT scans can generate more than 3,000 images, all of which must be acquired, reconstructed and made available for interpretation.

“The speed of the new equipment has been one of the biggest benefits,” Brueggeman said. “In critical situations, when every minute matters, the ability to perform these scans quickly and efficiently can make a significant difference.”

Faster image acquisition also means images can reach radiologists sooner, supporting quicker results and helping providers determine the appropriate next step in a patient’s care.

Technology Designed With Patients in Mind

The upgraded scanner also includes technology designed to improve both image quality and the patient experience.

CT technologist Charlie Harless, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), who has worked in CT since 2006 and has experience with several different imaging systems, said one feature immediately stood out.

“The smart AI systems that automatically correct dosages to the patient are incredible,” Harless said. “Knowing that we are achieving optimal image quality without overexposing patients makes our jobs easier.”

According to Brueggeman, WCHS has also seen an approximately 18% reduction in radiation dose on head CT scans with the new equipment.

The scanner’s larger opening may also help create a more comfortable experience for patients who feel anxious or confined during imaging.

Faster Answers When They Matter Most

In emergency care, having CT imaging immediately available can be especially important.

Chuck Franklin, M.D said the upgraded equipment gives WCHS access to modern, state-of-the-art imaging for trauma and other medical conditions when timely answers are needed.

That impact has already been demonstrated in real patient care. Earlier this year, Bill Murray arrived at WCHS with a serious medical condition that required quick evaluation.

CT imaging helped the care team determine the seriousness of his condition and coordinate higher-level care in Rapid City.

Patrick Gleason, APRN, the WCHS Emergency Department provider who cared for Bill during that visit, saw firsthand what the upgraded scanner can mean when a patient needs answers quickly.

“Better quality images. Faster reads. Better trust in the diagnostic capabilities,” Gleason said.

Bill’s wife, Kathleen, later reflected on the importance of the scan.

“The CT scan helped them understand how serious it was and how quickly he needed care,” she said.

For rural healthcare, that ability to obtain diagnostic information quickly can play a major role in determining whether a patient can remain close to home or needs to be transferred for additional care.

A Team That Grew With the Technology

For Brueggeman, one of the greatest successes of the first year has been watching the Radiology team grow alongside the new equipment.

“One of the things I am most proud of is how quickly our technologists became comfortable and confident with the new equipment,” she said.

Learning a new system takes time, training and teamwork, but Brueggeman said the department embraced the change.

“It has been incredible to watch them learn, adapt and grow into the new machine,” she said. “They are truly amazing at what they do and are an incredibly talented group of individuals who work hard, day and night, to provide the best possible care to our patients.”

A Community Investment

The CT project was made possible through the support of many people, including donors, the WCHS Foundation, staff, vendors, nurses and community members.

The upgraded scanner officially went live on October 14, 2025, and was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on November 18, 2025.

Brueggeman said getting to that point required significant coordination.

“It truly was a labor of love,” she said.

During the project, WCHS worked through construction disruptions, temporary changes to parking and periods when mobile CT services were needed. Brueggeman credits employees across the organization for adapting throughout the transition.

“This project truly took a village, and I am honored to have been part of it,” she said.

Keeping Advanced Care Local

For Brueggeman, the significance of the scanner comes back to one thing: what it enables WCHS to provide its patients.

“The quality of the images produced with this technology is truly exceptional,” she said. “Our community is incredibly fortunate to have access to this level of technology and the resources available at our facility.”

She said the investment is part of WCHS’s continued commitment to providing high-quality care locally.

“Having this technology close to home enables us to provide advanced, high-quality care to our patients without them having to travel elsewhere to receive it.”

As WCHS enters the second year with the upgraded CT scanner, the focus remains on continuing to learn, improve and provide the best possible experience for every patient.

“Our patients are always our number one priority,” Brueggeman said.

For Weston County, the first year of the new CT scanner represents more than a technology milestone. It represents what can happen when a community, hospital and healthcare team invest in keeping quality care close to home.

And for Deb Sweet, the message remains simple:

“Always go local when you can.”