West Northumberland hospital auxiliary funds purchase of neonatal monitors
Northumberland Hills Hospital's youngest patients are expected to benefit from the addition of new neonatal monitors to the west Northumberland hospital's maternal child care unit.
The Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Auxiliary recently announced its donation of $207,000 would support the purchase of four new neonatal warmers for the Cobourg hospital.
"The NHH Auxiliary board made the selection from our priority capital equipment list," noted Jennifer Gillard, vice-president of patient experience, public affairs, and strategic partnerships for NHH.
"They were drawn to the opportunity to support a specific need in a particular department, and we are very grateful," Gillard told kawarthaNOW.
During post-delivery, neonatal warmers can play an important role to help care providers monitor a newborn baby's body heat, vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and weight. The warmers can also support resuscitation efforts in critical cases, NHH noted in a media release.
These new neonatal warmers are equipped with state-of-the-art advanced technology that aligns with the latest neonatal resuscitation program guidelines.
"By ensuring that our equipment is up to date, we can continue to make positive strides and advancements in the type of care provided for everyone, at any age in their care journey," said Dr. Erin Pepper, maternal child care department chief, in a media release.
"It's an incredible contribution to our growing maternal child care program. Our teams are excited about the many enhanced features available through the new (neonatal) warmers, which will greatly benefit our maternal child care patients."
The auxiliary's donation, reflecting dollars raised from the fiscal year just concluded, marks its largest contribution since 2017 and the third largest donation in its 100-year history.
"We are grateful for the tremendous fundraising efforts of the NHH Auxiliary, whose support in purchasing four new (neonatal) warmers has been instrumental in fulfilling one of our main strategic priorities, accountable care, which focuses on harnessing the power of technology, information, and innovation to improve experiences, efficiency, and outcomes, including quality and safety," said Susan Walsh, NHH president and CEO.
The vast majority of the auxiliary's fundraising efforts this past year have come from sales through their two retail operations, the Little Treasure Shop in NHH's main foyer, and Petticoat Lane, an offsite thrift store operated by the auxiliary at 25 Munroe St. in Cobourg.
"The opportunity to raise funds for four new (neonatal) warmers has been a milestone achievement for the NHH Auxiliary," said NHH Auxiliary president Selena Forsyth.
"This donation is reflective of the auxiliary's continued efforts to raise funds for NHH and the exceptional commitment of our volunteers, who always rise to meet every new fundraising goal."
Forsyth offered a special shout-out to Dale Hodge, volunteer co-ordinator of The Little Treasure Shop, and Marilyn Routly, volunteer coordinator of Petticoat Lane.
"Without their leadership and the dedication of the retail operations teams, volunteers, and all who support, this goal would not have been achievable," she noted.
Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW
