Children are not the same as adults, physically or emotionally. Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill recognizes the differences, providing pediatric imaging services that ensure its youngest patients receive “child-size” doses, extra precautions, and special attention.
“People do not have to drive to the Washington area or Richmond for pediatric imaging services. We have them right here,” noted Trisha Sumner, facility manager for Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill.
Lee’s Hill is one of four local outpatient imaging centers available through a partnership of Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) and Mary Washington Healthcare.
The Lee’s Hill center serves both adults and children with extensive imaging services but has developed special services for pediatric patients, Sumner explained. These include the following child-friendly features.
Image Gently® Doses
Radiologists and technologists have received continuing education training through the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging to use “child-size dosing” when imaging pediatric patients, Sumner said. Image Gently protocols are also the standard at other medical facilities served by RAF radiologists: Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, Medical Imaging of North Stafford, the Imaging Center for Women, Mary Washington Hospital, and Stafford Hospital.
The Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging is a coalition of health care organizations dedicated to providing safe, high-quality pediatric imaging worldwide. For more information, visit imagegently.org.
Protective Shielding
Lee’s Hill staff protect pediatric patients during procedures with lead aprons available in multiple children’s sizes.
The facility also purchased a “scoliosis shawl” specially designed to shield patients with this condition. Sumner said the scoliosis shawl is used to reduce exposure to developing breast tissue during imaging procedures.
Child-Friendly Touches
Lee’s Hill expedites pediatric imaging tests whenever possible by enabling referring physician offices to call ahead when registering patients. Children also feel welcome from the moment they arrive thanks to the kid’s section of the waiting room with child-sized furniture, toys, and books, including coloring books about radiology.
Sumner noted that the pediatric touches continue in the children’s changing area and exam room, which are decorated in cheerful, child-friendly designs, and in the center’s open MRI room, which allows children to have their parents by their sides during MRI imaging tests. Child-sized hospital gowns in several sizes help the center’s youngest patients feel comfortable throughout their visit. Pediatric patients who are restless or nervous are reassured by the center’s experienced, child-friendly staff.
Convenient Location and Hours
Medical Imaging at Lee’s Hill is located at 10401 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22408, close to US Route 1 and the Spotsylvania Exit off I-95. It is open early morning, evening, and weekend hours in addition to normal office hours, accommodating busy life schedules.
To schedule an appointment, phone (540) 741-7720 or visit mifimaging.com/locations/lees-hill/.
