Tri-Lakes Medical Center has extended its MRI services to three days a week, offering services on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to better serve needs of patients.

“The extended days for the MRI service provides physicians with the flexibility they need to accommodate their patients’ schedules, particularly when a same day appointment is necessary,” said Wes Sigler, Tri-Lakes Medical Center CEO.

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, provides detailed images of the body’s soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. It uses a magnetic field and radio wave energy to take pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

Tri-Lakes is also preparing to open a new, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which will provide high-quality critical care for patients.

Construction has recently begun on the six-bed unit, which is scheduled to open this spring.

According to Sigler, the ICU will eliminate many situations in which emergency cases are transferred to other hospitals.

“The new intensive care unit means critically ill patients can be treated in Batesville, near their homes and families.” said Sigler.