The Rocky Health Foundation has announced its latest fundraising initiative— $444,000 for new cardiac equipment at the Rocky Mountain House Regional Health Foundation.
Dubbed ‘Heart of the Community,’ the funds will provide 18 new devices that will replace the aging equipment.
Hospital officials say the existing equipment is a hodgepodge of monitors of varying ages, which staff have to learn along with all their eccentricities.
Rocky Health Foundation Treasurer Dale Shippelt, who is a local town councillor, says the new equipment will streamline processes across the board.
“It was identified by the physicians and staff at the hospital as something that could save lives in our community,” says Shippelt.
The equipment will serve diverse needs at the hospital, adds Shippelt, including the ability to monitor infants’ heartbeats and those in trauma situations.
Top row L-R: Secretary Maureen Janke, Foundation Coordinator Angie Breault, Community Representative Gladys Bigelow, Health Foundation Chair Shirley Hope, Hospital Representative Jessica Moncrieff. Bottom row L-R: Community Representative Debbie Baich, Community Representative Joyce Ritchie, Treasurer Dale Shippelt. (94.5 Rewind Radio)
The more modern machines can monitor more than cardiac-related situations, says Angie Breault, foundation coordinator.
The equipment can monitor stroke patients, those who have overdosed on medication and many other situations, says Breault.
Additionally, the old monitors don’t communicate with Alberta Health Services (AHS) Connect Care databases, whereas newer ones do, allowing for better patient care.
“Staff will be able to watch all the patients at the same time because they’re all on the same monitors,” says Breault. “Then doctors and nurses can get to these people right away when seconds matter.”
Shippelt says the organization will be promoting the campaign over the coming months.
The organization’s recent Healthy Hospital Campaign successfully met its goal of raising more than $750,000.
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