Grande Ronde Hospital poised to secure $1.356 Million for new nuclear medicine machine
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Release from Grande Ronde Hospital) Grande Ronde Hospital is poised to receive $1.356 million through a government spending bill to purchase a new nuclear medicine machine. This critical investment will enhance diagnostic capabilities for patients in the region. This funding, supported by Oregon U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, is part of the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which focuses on expanding healthcare, education, and essential services for Oregon families. The hospital is now prepared for the grant award, pending the bill’s passage by Congress and the President’s signature.
The new nuclear medicine machine will replace aging equipment at Grande Ronde Hospital, ensuring that the hospital can continue to provide reliable and precise imaging services. These services are crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and other complex health issues. By upgrading to advanced technology, Grande Ronde Hospital can reduce treatment times, increase patient capacity, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
“This news marks a significant milestone for healthcare in Union County as we prepare for the approval of $1.35M in federal funding for Grande Ronde Hospital’s new nuclear medicine machine,” said Jeremy Davis, President/CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital. “This critical investment will replace an aging system and ensure uninterrupted, reliable imaging services for years to come. With this state-of-the-art equipment, Grande Ronde Hospital will drastically reduce treatment times, expand patient capacity, and enhance overall healthcare outcomes in Union County and Northeastern Oregon. Grande Ronde Hospital’s mission is to ensure access to high-quality, cost-effective health care for all those in need of our services. We sincerely thank our congressional leaders, Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden, for their unwavering support in advancing this vital project.”
This funding comes at a time of significant growth for Grande Ronde Hospital, which recently completed a major surgical expansion. The hospital added over 96,000 square feet of new space, including five new operating rooms—three at 600 square feet and two at nearly 700 square feet—as well as two procedure rooms. The expansion positions Grande Ronde Hospital to perform a wider range of advanced surgical procedures, reinforcing its leadership in healthcare in Union County and beyond.
While the new nuclear medicine machine is not directly part of this expansion, it remains a key element in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier care to the community. As Grande Ronde Hospital continues to invest in new technologies, it stays focused on ensuring patients receive high-quality care close to home.
Once finalized, the $1.356 million award will be part of a larger initiative led by Senators Merkley and Wyden, who have secured funding for 20 community-driven projects across Oregon. These projects, included in the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 bill, aim to expand healthcare access, improve educational opportunities, and deliver vital resources to Oregon’s rural and underserved communities.
Grande Ronde Hospital’s ability to prepare for this federal funding demonstrates its dedication to delivering cutting-edge healthcare to the residents of Union County and Northeastern Oregon. With the upcoming nuclear medicine machine, the hospital will continue advancing its mission to provide timely, accurate diagnoses and high-quality treatment to its patients.
