Whidbey General Hospital had many wants filled this month when the hospital auxiliary approved the hospital’s wish list. Approximately $25,000 will purchase several needed equipment items for the hospital.
Infant radiant warmer with oxygen and suction ($8,700) — Whidbey Family Birthplace has two warmers, both more than 10 years old. Due to age & increased use, they are often in need of repair. From 2002 to 2003, there was approximately a 10 percent increase in the number of births at WGH, and a similar increase in services is expected again in 2004.
Epidural anesthesia pump ($3,600) —With the addition of epidural anesthesia as an option for laboring women in 2003, and the commitment to offer the availability of that service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week there has been a significant demand for that service. The addition of this pump will allow continued safe and effective care in the birthplace.
Two recliner chairs with IV poles ($5,000) — Surgical services continue to grow rapidly each year — especially in the out-patient, ambulatory surgery arena. These recliner chairs are used both pre-operatively and during the recovery period for patients. Replacing two of the oldest chairs in the unit will ensure continued patient comfort and safely.
Four Pulse Oximeters ($2,000) — Hand-held units that provide immediate reading of the patient’s oxygen level, obtained by sliding a small clip over the finger. Allows for rapid assessment and adjustment in oxygen or treatment(s) based on the results. Used on increasing number of patient home visits, and units are shared by nursing and physical therapy staff throughout the day.
Six televisions for patient rooms ($1,800) — Televisions have not been replaced on the medical-surgical unit for more than 10 years. Current units have been maintained and repaired as much as possible and the oldest units are in dire need of replacing. Patients are very disappointed if the hospital does not provide a television for their hospital stay. This purchase will replace a third of the televisions on the floor.
Centrifuge ($3,500)— Key piece of equipment used when processing many blood specimens. Laboratory services continue to grow rapidly, with nearly a 30 percent increase in number of tests from 2002 to 2003 more than 28,000 tests in 2003).
The auxiliary also installed a new slate of officers. Jodi Burcham accepted a second year as the auxiliary president. Lynn Sullivan is president-elect, Shirley Westefeldt is vice president, Susan Alcaraz is secretary, and Jeannette Sem as treasurer. The The auxiliary has been supporting the health care goals of Whidbey General Hospital since the hospital opened its doors in March of 1970.
Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as a fund-raiser and depository for charitable gifts. Many members of the auxiliary also serve as volunteers at the hospital. Donations to the auxiliary can be earmarked for general health purchases or specific initiatives. For more information about the Whidbey General Hospital auxiliary call Trish Rose, WGH community relations, 678-7656 ext. 3350.
