Forrest General Hospital Now Provides Radiology Fluoroscopy Services with Opening of R&F Remote Imaging Room

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (June 5, 2025) Forrest General Hospital has added new cutting-edge technology to its Radiology Department with the opening of its Radiology Fluoroscopy room. A ribbon cutting was held June 5.

Fluoroscopy is a form of medical imaging that uses both static X-rays, as well as X-rays in real time, like a video, within a single, integrated environment. It works by using a special camera that uses pulses or brief bursts of X-ray beams to take pictures while your organs perform their normal tasks or while your provider performs a procedure. Healthcare providers use it to diagnose conditions, help guide medical procedures and serve a wide range of clinical needs, including gastrointestinal studies, orthopedic assessments, and urologic procedures.

The remote capability enhances infection control, reduces radiation exposure for staff, and increases overall efficiency in patient care delivery. With higher weight capacity limits and wider table design, the R&F Remote Imaging Room also supports Forrest General Hospital’s Bariatric Program by providing safe, accessible imaging for patients of all sizes. It is designed to accommodate diverse patient populations, supporting Forrest Health’s mission to do what is best for the patient.

Dr. James York, MD, medical director for Forrest Health Radiology, highlighted two main components of the Fluoroscopy Radiology room.  “The first includes help for our very active bariatric program, so for those cases seeking weight loss surgery, the equipment in this room can get their gastrointestinal films, and can look at their GI tracts, which is important for the nutritionists, the gastroenterologists, and the surgeons,” said York. “That’s the biggest part.

“The second is the remote capabilities for the operator, who can have less radiation transferred to themselves, because the room gives less radiation to obtain images. This is part of our system-wide Image Wisely program to decrease radiation exposure in all areas of Radiology.

“This major investment in cutting-edge imaging equipment underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from diagnosing complex conditions to enhancing care for our bariatric program. This upgraded room brings faster, safer, more precise imaging capabilities. It also reflects our focus on innovation and continuous improvement in diagnostic services.”

Dr. York noted Forrest Health now also has a Radiology room similar to this at Highland Community Hospital in Picayune. “This is the type of step forward we are looking to make in order to treat more patients and give less radiation,” he said.

Shannon Vega, director of Radiology, thanked Vice President Millie Swan, who oversees Radiology as one of the 15 departments she manages, for helping bring this room to fruition in order to better serve Forrest Health patients.

Forrest General Hospital continues to research and add new technological advances to its already wide variety of services in order to better meet the needs of its patients.

For more information, visit, forresthealth.org.

ABOUT FORREST HEALTH

Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.