(Atlantic) Construction at Cass Health is continuing, and patients and visitors will soon notice changes in the Radiology hallway as work begins on a new PET/CT suite. The addition will bring PET/CT services in-house, providing patients with greater access to this important diagnostic imaging technology close to home.
Currently, PET/CT services at Cass Health are provided through a mobile unit that visits the hospital several times each month.
“We’re really excited to bring PET/CT in-house,” said Jess Sandbothe, Director of Radiology. “PET scans can help identify and stage cancer, evaluate heart disease, and assess some brain disorders. It’s very similar to a CT scan, except during a PET scan, you’re given a very small amount of a radioactive tracer through an IV. Our radiologists then look to see how that radioactive tracer is taken up and processed by the body at a molecular level. Because many cancer cells are more metabolically active than healthy cells, they often absorb more of the tracer and can be identified on the PET scan. This provides valuable information that helps physicians to diagnose, evaluate how well treatment is working, and make informed decisions about the next steps in a patient’s care.”
Construction and renovation of the new imaging suite are expected to continue through the end of 2026. During this time, the long hallway between the Main Entrance and Cafeteria will be partially closed.
Patients who need Radiology services will still be able to access the department as usual. The hallway will be closed just beyond the Radiology entrance and waiting room. Patients and visitors heading towards the cafeteria or Human Resources department will use an alternative route and hallway.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the back side of the hospital, where a third operating room will be built. Rehab Services is also under construction for an expansion, and cranes are expected to arrive at the end of August for steel erection of the new spaces.
“Overall, the construction project is going well. Any construction project creates a lot of extra noise and some inconveniences for patients and staff, so we are grateful to everyone being patient with us through this process,” said Mitch Whiley, Chief Information Officer.
Patients and visitors may notice additional noise and may be directed to exam rooms in other locations to help minimize the impact of construction noise.
Parking is also impacted by the construction project. Patients and visitors should use Parking Lot A by the Main Entrance, or Parking Lot C by Rehab Services and the Emergency Department.
“This is a great time to use eCheck-In whenever possible. It helps expedite the Registration process, and due to limited parking, lines at Registration can be longer than usual,” said Whiley. For patients who have a MyChart account, eCheck-In enables you to review your address, health information, insurance, and sign consents from your phone or laptop, making the process of checking in faster. Patients can sign up for a MyChart account at Cass Health Medical Records.
Construction may continue to impact parking, entrances, or wayfinding in the building. Patients and visitors are asked to watch for any construction-related signs and ask any employees for assistance in navigating the building. The entire project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2027.
