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December 19, 2011

AHRA AND TOSHIBA ANNOUNCE 2011 PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST GRANT RECIPIENTS

Seven Winners Selected for Programs That Improve Patient Care and Safety

TUSTIN, Calif., Dec. 19, 2011 – Helping hospitals, imaging centers and health systems develop or improve existing education and patient care initiatives in diagnostic imaging, AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management and Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. announced the seven recipients of the fourth annual Putting Patients First grant program.

Six grants of up to $7,500 were awarded to hospitals, three focused on pediatrics and three on overall imaging, and one grant of up to $20,000 was awarded to an Integrated Delivery Network (IDN)/hospital system.

“Putting Patients First grants enable healthcare facilities to implement innovative programs that enhance diagnostic imaging productivity and safety,” said Luann Culbreth, AHRA President, CRA, FAHRA. “These facilities share their initiatives with other hospitals and institutions, providing benefits well beyond these seven recipients.”

The IDN grant was awarded to:

• Texas Children’s Hospital (Houston, Texas) – Use of MRI to Replace CT in the Imaging of Appendicitis in Children: will conduct a four month study assessing the effectiveness of using MR as the primary imaging tool for pediatric appendicitis.

The three winning pediatric programs include:

• Fairview Health System (St. Paul, Minn.) – Initiative to Reduce Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging: will implement a web-based educational program for families, patients and providers of pediatric patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries and appendicitis.

• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (Cincinnati, Ohio) – Enhancing the Patient and Family Experience in a Children’s Radiology Department Through the Use of Tablet Computers: will provide pediatric patients with iPads as a calming tool instead of using sedation or anesthesia.

• Bronson Methodist Hospital (Kalamazoo, Mich.) – Video Visits: Using Media to Ease the Pediatric Imaging Process: will develop an instructional video on the imaging process and offer information on radiation dose to prepare children and parents before an exam.

The three general program winners include:

• St. Vincent Medical Center (Bridgeport, Conn.) – Exposing Safety: Strategies for Radiation Protection: will create an online educational tool to heighten awareness for its radiation safety program.

• John T. Mather Memorial Hospital (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) – Reducing CT Scan Cumulative Dose: will educate patients and providers about the risks of radiation and install software that records dose information.

• Harnett Health Betsy Johnson Hospital (Dunn, N.C.) – Medical Imaging to Pharmacy: will obtain measurable outcomes of its Medical Imaging to Pharmacy program that encourages greater coordination and communication.

“Toshiba strives to develop innovative medical imaging technology that is comfortable for patients and aids healthcare providers,” said Cathy Wolfe, senior director, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Toshiba. “In its fourth year, the Putting Patients First program sparks innovation for improvements in imaging processes.”

In addition to receiving grants, all winning programs will be featured in an AHRA publication. The Putting Patients First program is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

About AHRA

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management is the preeminent organization for leaders in medical imaging. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs, including a comprehensive selection of education conferences and seminars through its Leadership Institute, diverse networking opportunities, award-winning publications and the Certified Radiology Administrator credential. Founded in 1973, AHRA’s more than 4,000 members represent management at all levels for freestanding imaging centers, hospital imaging departments and group practices. More information about AHRA can be found at www.ahraonline.org.

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services diagnostic imaging systems, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation

Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba.

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products, spanning digital products, such as LCD TVs, notebook PCs and hard disc drives; electronic devices and components, such as semiconductors; social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 490 companies, with 203,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 6.3 trillion yen (US$77 billion).