Pender Community Health Adds New MRI Machine and Breast MRI Services
Pender, Neb. (Sept. 8, 2026) – Patients across northeast Nebraska now have access to a new MRI machine at Pender Community Health (PCH), bringing faster exams, improved comfort and clearer images to help healthcare providers diagnose injuries and health conditions.
“This is an exciting investment in the care we can provide right here in our community,” said Laura Gamble, CEO of Pender Community Health. “This new MRI allows us to improve the experience for our patients while giving their healthcare providers high-quality images to help guide their care.”
PCH’s new MRI includes several features designed to make exams easier and more comfortable for patients. A wider opening gives patients more space during their exam, while a sound system and ambient lighting help create a calmer environment. The new technology can also complete imaging more efficiently, helping reduce the amount of time patients may need to spend undergoing their exam.
For healthcare providers, the new MRI produces clearer, more detailed images. PCH providers are already seeing the difference, giving them better information to help identify injuries and health conditions and determine the best next steps for their patients. MRI is commonly used to provide detailed images for orthopedic, abdominal and neurological conditions and injuries.
The new MRI has also allowed PCH to expand its services to include breast MRI, which is now available to patients. Breast MRI provides detailed images of breast tissue and may be recommended for some patients who are at higher risk for breast cancer or who need additional imaging based on their medical history or previous breast imaging results.
Timely access is another benefit of receiving MRI services at PCH. While patients in larger regional healthcare systems may sometimes encounter waits of several weeks for an MRI appointment, same-day appointments may be available at PCH once any necessary insurance authorization is received.
For someone waiting for answers about an injury, ongoing pain or another health concern, quicker access to imaging can help their healthcare provider determine the next steps in their care sooner.
“For our patients, access matters,” Gamble said. “Receiving an MRI here in Pender can mean less travel, less waiting and getting the information they and their provider need sooner. That is exactly the kind of care we want to continue building for northeast Nebraska.”
The new MRI is the latest in a series of investments PCH has made to keep advanced diagnostic imaging available close to home. In fall 2025, PCH also installed a new CT scanner, further strengthening the technology available to patients and healthcare providers in northeast Nebraska. Together, these investments reflect PCH’s commitment to keeping pace with advances in healthcare and its vision of being the leader in rural health while advancing through innovation.
By investing in services and technology that improve the patient experience, support healthcare providers and expand access to care close to home, PCH continues to live its commitment of Leading with Care. Serving with Heart.
About Pender Community Health
Pender Community Health delivers high-quality, compassionate care to communities in northeast Nebraska. With advanced medical technology, experienced providers, and well-coordinated services, PCH ensures patients receive exceptional care close to home. In addition to the hospital, PCH operates medical clinics, retail pharmacies, the PCH Little Sprouts Child Development Center, and PCH Prairie Breeze Assisted Living—serving patients and families at every stage of life.
