Butler Memorial Hospital Unveils Advanced PET/CT Technology

BUTLER, Pa., Feb. 25, 2026 – Butler Memorial Hospital, part of Independence Health System, celebrated the opening of its newly renovated imaging suite featuring advanced digital PET/CT technology from Canon Medical. Hospital leaders, providers and staff gathered for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the project, unveiling the hospital’s latest diagnostic imaging capability.

The newly installed Cartesion Prime Digital PET/CT system combines Canon Medical’s most advanced PET technology with its Aquilion™ Prime SP CT scanner. The enhancements aid care teams in developing more informed treatment plans as they monitor patients for a range of conditions. The system delivers higher-quality images and faster scan times (in some instances up to half the time of traditional scans), along with a wider bore for improved patient comfort.

“These advancements enable us to provide more personalized care and equip our clinicians with the tools needed to diagnose and monitor cancer, heart disease and neurological conditions more effectively, all while allowing patients to stay close to home for the care they need,” said Matthew Schnur, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals. “We are proud to continue expanding access to high-quality, advanced imaging services to our community.”

Renovations to the imaging suite began in August 2025 and were supported by hospital capital improvement funds. The project transitioned the hospital from the use of a mobile PET/CT service ─ previously available only one to two days per week ─ to a permanent, on-site unit. With the new suite, Butler Memorial Hospital can now offer PET/CT scans five days a week, significantly expanding access for patients. Updates included new flooring, lighting, wall finishes, electrical and plumbing upgrades, as well as furniture, cabinetry, staff workspace and four private patient rooms — creating a modern, patient-centered environment.

The new suite, located on the ground floor of the Brady Street entrance, is open for outpatient testing Monday through Friday by appointment. PET/CT scans require an order from a care provider. If you need a provider, contact the Independence Health System Care Center at 833-602-CARE (2273). If you already have an order and need to schedule diagnostic imaging, call 724-284-4000.

Visit www.independence.health to learn more about the services provided at Independence Health System.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning a multi-county region.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.