The South Cariboo Health Foundation is going to space and beyond for this year’s Starry Nights fundraiser.
The foundation aims to raise $80,000 for the purchase of a new Space Labs Health Care Exhibit Patient Monitoring All-In-One Computer system. Brenda Devine, the foundation’s public relations and fundraiser coordinator, said she is looking forward to bringing this critical piece of technology to the 100 Mile District General Hospital.
“It’s life-saving. Apparently, some people have died without all the information (the device provides) and some people have survived (thanks to it) too,” Devine said. “It’s just a really good tool for the staff. When the nurses found out this was a possibility, they were really pleased. You can imagine how freed up you’d be knowing if something went wrong that system would notify you.”
The new central monitoring system will be installed in the hospital’s nursing station and will be able to monitor four beds at a time. Devine said these beds will be reserved for critical patients who would otherwise need constant physical check-ins by nurses.
The system was suggested by Kathy Munroe, the hospital’s acute care manager. Typically, Devine said, the foundation chooses from a wish list put together by hospital staff but this year, after hearing Munroe’s proposal, they decided to go with the Space Labs system.
“It’s a big monitor, just like a TV,” Devine said. “It has alarms on it so that if a nurse has been in the room and she’s gone back to the nursing station, she’ll be alerted.”
Munroe said that in addition to helping the hospital’s staff do their jobs more efficiently, the system will improve patient care. Currently when a critical patient is being cared for nurses will check on them every 15 minutes, which can be disruptive when they’re trying to rest and recover. This system will reduce the frequency of physical check-ins and free nurses up to work with other patients.
“It’s less invasive. This will eliminate having to go into the patient’s room every 15 minutes when they’re sleeping and wake them up,” Munroe said. “When people are trying to heal rest is important and when you’re getting woken up every 15 minutes that’s not ideal.”
Once set up each bed will have a programmable Qube that nurses can use to monitor patients’ blood oxygen levels, body temperature, cardiovascular output and more. All of that information will be sent to the central monitor. Whenever any critical levels are detected an alarm will go off alerting nurses, allowing them to respond in a timely manner.
“It can be transmitted wirelessly but we’re going to hardwire these ones in,” Munroe said. “It gives nurses peace of mind knowing these patients are being monitored 24/7 not just during those one-hour checks.”
Devine said down the road the system could be increased beyond four beds based on the needs of the hospital.
Over the last few years, Devine said the foundation has been able to meet every goal it has set for itself thanks to the generosity of the community. They’ve funded the renovation of the hospital’s wound care room, bought several Lucas Chest Compression Systems and dozens of other specialized pieces of technology. She’s confident the community will once more step up to the plate and donate.
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“Once we put the information out there, people start to donate. I always say to everyone we appreciate the community so much for getting behind whatever we fundraise for,” Devine said.
This year Starry Nights kicks off on Nov. 18 to coincide with the end of 100 Mile House’s Santa Claus Parade. Following the light up Devine will start to officially accept donations.
As in previous years donations are accepted online via southcariboohealthfoundation.com, by physically mailing in a cheque to Bag 399 100 Mile House, V0K 2E0 or by just dropping cash off at the hospital’s reception desks. Donations will be accepted this year from Nov. 18 to Jan. 31 when the foundation turns the lights off and counts up their donations.
“Times aren’t the easiest for people to give, but they do realize the importance of having really good equipment,” Devine said. “Doctors who come through here can’t believe how good our equipment is. I’m confident people will come through and donate their hard-earned money.”
