The Cleo Hunt Diagnostic Imaging Center at Edmond Medical Center (EMC) was dedicated April 29, 2008 in recognition of former Director of Radiology, Cleo Hunt. Hunt retired from EMC January 31, 2008 after 33 dedicated years of service to the facility.

Hunt began her career at EMC in 1975 as a radiology technologist. She served the hospital in this position until 1979, when she was promoted to director of the department. “When I started working at EMC, we had one X-Ray room, and now we have an entire department,” said Hunt. When asked how she felt when told of the naming of the new center, she said that she was “blown away and deeply honored.” “I thought that buildings were only named for you after you were dead.”

She says that there was “never one day that she didn’t look forward to going in to work at EMC.” One of her most memorable moments at the hospital came many years ago when she became ill and was in renal failure. She needed a blood transfusion immediately. The entire department went to the blood institute and donated blood in Cleo Hunt’s name. They told her they didn’t want her having anyone else’s blood but from her EMC family.

Cleo has watched the hospital’s growth with wide eyes in the 33 years she was employed there. She says that technology has grown so extensively that radiology is now one of the most critical diagnostic tools in medicine. She credits Computer Tomography as the single greatest advancement in diagnostic imaging. “Before CT, we could only see bones, but now, we can view the bones and the tissue, and are able to diagnose disease quicker and more accurately.”

Hospital CEO Tayo Fichtl said the new Cleo Hunt Radiology Center represents EMC’s continued commitment to the community. EMC has spent nearly $15 million during the past five years in capital upgrades. “We are so pleased to name this Center after such an outstanding and loyal employee as Cleo Hunt. This new department allows us to afford better care for our patients, as well as providing them with a much quicker diagnosis, which represents the work ethic which Cleo provided this hospital every day.” Fichtl said.

EMC completed a total remodel and cosmetic upgrade for its new radiology department. Patients are now able to access the radiology department from the east-side lobby area near the emergency room for a more user-friendly approach. Evening hours and Saturdays are also available due to an increase in patient volume, with more than 1,500 radiology procedures done each month. This monthly volume of procedures includes about 300 MRIs, 600 CT scans, 400 ultrasounds and 150 nuclear medicine procedures.

Cleo Hunt grew up in Byers, Oklahoma, and studied to be a radiology technologist at the University of Oklahoma. Hunt intends to spend her retirement with her grandchildren and singing in her church choir, of which she serves as president.

About Edmond Medical Center
A hospital for more than 60 years, Edmond Medical Center (EMC) combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care for the residents of Edmond, northern Oklahoma County and southern Logan County. EMC is an HCA facility and is accredited by the Joint Commission. It has over 300 physicians on staff representing more than 50 specialties, 500 dedicated employees and 90 loyal members of the volunteer auxiliary.

The hospital features an impressive Level III emergency department that has been recognized nationally as a leader in patient satisfaction. Other hospital services include: cardiopulmonary care, intensive care, rehabilitation services, diagnostic imaging, pain management, medical/surgical care, geropsychiatric care, spine care, liver care, ENT clinic, cardiac care and an outpatient physical therapy and sports medicine program.

Conveniently located in the heart of Edmond at 2nd Street and Bryant, Edmond Medical Center is easily accessible to the area's major highways and yet is close to home for most Edmond families.