Over its 75 years, CreuBlanca has grown thanks to innovation and, above all, to the people who make it possible every day. In “Stories That Bring Us Together”, we meet Cristina Arroyo, a diagnostic imaging technician, who tells us about her first steps at CreuBlanca, the evolution she has experienced from within, and the importance of working in an environment where technology and the human team move forward together.
Because behind every diagnosis there is experience, vocation and a shared commitment to health. Stories that inspire us, move us and bring us together.
How did you start working as a diagnostic imaging technician and what do you enjoy most about your job?
After finishing my studies, I started looking for work and CreuBlanca gave me the opportunity and believed in me, training me in magnetic resonance imaging. What I enjoy most about my job is the very human and close relationship with patients, because it allows me to understand them, support them throughout the diagnostic process and help make it easier, more manageable and more reassuring for them. Healthcare is a world I am passionate about, and in this job I found what I had always enjoyed offering to others. Diagnostic imaging has changed a great deal with technology.
How have you experienced this evolution and how has it improved the patient experience?
As a professional, it is incredibly rewarding to see how much technology has advanced, as it allows us to keep growing continuously. For example, in the past an MRI scan could take an hour, whereas nowadays it can take around 20 minutes.
Noise has also been greatly reduced, as we provide headphones, earplugs and sometimes even music. In general, the machines are larger, more open and more comfortable for patients, which gives them a great sense of calm. Image quality is also much better, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
This gives patients much greater confidence and reassurance.
At CreuBlanca you work side by side with doctors, nurses and other technicians. What would you highlight about teamwork here and what makes it different?
At CreuBlanca there is a very collaborative working environment.
Relationships between colleagues are excellent. This allows us to work closely together, support one another and provide the best possible service. We are committed people, approachable people who are passionate about our work, and that makes everything much easier. Working here is very special.
What is the biggest myth about imaging tests that you would like to dispel, and how do you help patients feel at ease during the scan?
I would say that the biggest myth about MRI scans is that patients think they will be shut inside, like being in a coffin, and that we won’t be able to see or hear them, when in fact it’s quite the opposite. Part of our job is to help them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, as if they were at home.
In the end, these diagnostic tests are beneficial for them; they don’t cause harm. Patients need to trust themselves in order to feel calm, and we listen to them, understand them and support them so that they feel well and the experience is as pleasant as possible.
From your experience, what do you think has enabled CreuBlanca to continue growing after so many years?
CreuBlanca never stops innovating or adopting new technologies.
Artificial intelligence has greatly improved precision, quality and efficiency. This has been achieved alongside the highly specialised team behind it, with expertise in different pathologies. There are machines specialised in cardiac imaging, others in neurology, among many other specialties, allowing for more accurate diagnoses for patients.
What message would you like to share with CreuBlanca on its 75th anniversary?
My message would be to keep innovating, to continue investing in new technologies, and also to keep believing in and trusting its human team, which is the heart of CreuBlanca and what makes everything possible.