The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has awarded a $132,976 gift to SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital to fund the purchase of a new portable X-ray (XR) machine, enhancing patient care and ensuring critical imaging access across the hospital.
The new portable XR machine will support more than 3,600 patients annually and provide essential imaging at the bedside in the emergency room, inpatient units, and surgical settings.
“This investment directly supports our ability to provide safe, timely care for patients when it matters most,” according to Kaitlyn Paukstat, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Imaging manager. “Portable imaging allows us to bring diagnostic services to the patient, which is especially important during emergencies, rapid response situations, and surgical procedures. Having an additional unit ensures we can continue delivering care without interruption.”
Currently, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital relies on a single portable XR unit.
“With this gift, we are helping ensure enhanced access to critical diagnostic technology for the Ripon community,” says Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. “This portable X-ray machine enhances patient safety, supports clinical teams, and reflects our donors’ commitment to advancing high-quality care close to home.”
The new system also offers improved image quality while using lower radiation doses and includes a wireless detector that can be used across imaging settings, helping create efficiency and consistency in patient care.
“This technology improves both the patient and caregiver experience,” Paukstat adds. “It allows us to respond quickly, reduce the need to move patients, and provide high-quality imaging when and where it is needed.”
The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation continues to partner with donors and caregivers to invest in programs, equipment, and services that strengthen access to exceptional care throughout the region.
Thanks to a gift from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital now has two portable X-ray machines for utilization by Imaging team members (left to right) Kelly Martin, CT tech; Kaitlyn Paukstat, Imaging manager; Molly Kloostra, youth apprentice; and Samantha Wesner, CT lead.
Date posted: August 27, 2026