General News

Computed tomography (CT) scans are increasingly valuable tests for a wide range of medical conditions, from trauma to cancer. To help diagnose and treat every patient more quickly and accurately, St. Peter’s is one of the first in the nation to install the SOMATOM® Definition AS from Siemens Healthcare.  The SOMATOM Definition AS is the world’s first CT scanner that adapts to virtually any patient, provides each person with complete dose protection and offers clinicians improved diagnostic information.

The mammography unit of St. Peter’s Diagnostic Imaging Department received an all areas in compliance rating in a recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection.

Diagnostic Imaging Director Harley McCormick said the annual inspection is required to ascertain compliance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and maintain certification with the FDA and American College of Radiology.

Three new members were recently appointed to the St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Directors.  They are:  Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Career Training Institute; William Northey, managing director of U.S. Bank Asset Management Group; and Mark Taylor, an attorney at Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C.

St. Peter’s Hospital’s Dialysis Unit was paid a visit on Tuesday by a representative from U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s office.  Shannon Lewis toured the unit to learn about (CKD) Chronic Kidney Disease, dialysis, and  healthcare legislative recommendations and issues.

The St. Peter’s Hospital Board of Directors voted Monday night following an extensive investigation and discussions to support St. Peter’s President and CEO John Solheim and retain his services, Board Chair Pete Johnson announced.

The Board also adopted a lengthy set of recommendations developed by a special board subcommittee for ways to address communications and other issues identified following interviews with 17 key physician leaders and six hospital administration staff.

The public is invited to attend an open house to view St. Peter’s new, expanded Cancer Treatment Center, Sunday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  (Please use the East Entrance.)

A certified lactation consultant is now available daily at St. Peter’s Hospital through a new infant nutrition program on the Women & Children’s Unit.

Four pediatric registered nurses, each of whom is a Certified Lactation Consultant, coordinate schedules to visit with each woman admitted to the unit.  They teach infant nutrition to mothers who breast feed as well as those who choose formula feeding. 

A new weekly Baby and Me parents group will begin this Fall at St. Peter’s Hospital thanks to a grant from the Montana Children’s Trust Fund.  The group is for parents of infants from birth to 12 months.

Free meetings will be held at St. Peter’s each Thursday beginning September 1 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the hospital. Each educational session will include a guest speaker on a variety of topics suggested by the parents attending.

St. Peter’s new, expanded Cancer Treatment Center opens to patients July 11.  The center has expanded from 4,000 to 7,300 square feet to allow St. Peter’s to serve the growing demand for cancer treatment.  Since 2001, patients seeking cancer treatment at St. Peter’s has increased approximately 87 percent. 

St. Peter's Hospital Association this week presented the Hospital Foundation with a check for $29,000 as its final payment of its $250,000 pledge to St. Peter's new Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. 

The majority of the funds were raised through Gift Shop sales with other proceeds collected from the group's membership tea, Valentine luncheon, Gala coat check, hospitality cart sales, and interest on savings.