The trips were many before a vote in 2018 decided that the hospital in Kalix would get a magnetic camera.
And after some planning and training, the first patient was able to go into the five-ton device in mid-January 2021.
- We have worked hard for this.
This means a lot to the patients, especially in eastern Norrbotten, who are closer to the examination, says Kerstin Ribom, unit manager for X-ray in Kalix.
First in the country with a new method
The new camera can also be remotely controlled by X-ray staff in Piteå.
A method that has never been used before in Sweden.
This means that experienced staff can support from a distance without visiting Kalix and patients do not have to travel that far to get an examination.
- It can be examinations they do not feel used to and need some support.
I can connect and take over the screen, explains X-ray nurse Johanna Keskitalo.
Six MRI cameras in the county
In total, there will be six magnetic cameras in Norrbotten before the end of the year.
Two in Piteå, one in Gällivare, one in Kalix and this spring Sunderby Hospital will have two new cameras.
There is also an MR trailer for some time in Kiruna.
Hear more about what the magnetic cameras mean for Norrbotten in the video above.
Julia Boqvist, unit manager for X-rays in Piteå, and X-ray nurse Johanna Keskitalo.
Photo: Amanda Liikamaa / SVT