Auburn Community Hospital has officially launched a state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner, marking a major step forward in local cancer care and diagnostic imaging for Cayuga County.
The hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new equipment, purchased through a $2 million federal grant secured with help from U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. Hospital executives, board members, medical staff, and community leaders gathered to mark the occasion.
“We wouldn’t be here without the support of our Senator, Chuck Schumer,” said Auburn Community Hospital President and CEO Scott Berlucchi. “This investment in life-saving technology shows Senator Schumer’s commitment to Auburn, Cayuga County, and all the people we serve.”
The scanner, built by General Electric, merges advanced molecular imaging and computed tomography, creating high-resolution, three-dimensional images that improve accuracy in detecting, staging, and monitoring cancer.
“This is an exciting day. Our commitment to improving patient outcomes is part of our long-term, strategic plan for Auburn Community Hospital,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Tony Franceschelli.
According to Dr. Jubin Jacob, Chairman of the Radiology Department, the new machine is the most advanced in the region. “It is a state-of-the-art machine, and we use the lowest radiation dose compared to other scanners. It cuts down months of wait. We can schedule patients in the same week,” he said.
Previously, patients had to travel long distances and wait weeks or months for a scan. With the new in-house system, results can be generated quickly and shared immediately with clinical teams at the Upstate Cancer Center at ACH.
ACH Technologist Jessica Donlon emphasized the convenience for families. “This technology allows patients to get diagnostic scans right at home. You don’t have to travel long distances. We usually have open appointments in the same week when a patient first comes in.”
Dr. Alan Sherburne, President of the Medical Executive Committee, added, “This technology is wonderful. We are blessed to have it here at Auburn Community Hospital.”
Senator Schumer, speaking through his Central New York Regional Director Joshua Pearlman, praised the development: “As the only hospital in Cayuga County, ACH has served as a vital hub of high-quality health care for generations. Expanding rural access to high-quality healthcare services here in Cayuga County and across all of New York has always been a priority for me.”
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