Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation (BUHF), Battlefords Union Hospital, and Prairie North Health Region are excited to announce an innovative project that will enhance patient care and safety, and will optimize surgeon and staff safety and efficiency in the surgical department of BUH.

The project is redevelopment of BUH Operating Theatre 4 into an Innovative Operating Suite. The new design will promote greater safety, efficiency and ease of communication through advanced electronic equipment management.

“The project is a joint initiative between the health region, the hospital, and Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation,” said Prairie North CEO David Fan. “We are proud and pleased to once again have the support of the Foundation in bringing this project forward.”

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce funding support of $440,000 for the Innovative Operating Suite. The contribution is made possible through the generosity of the community and commitment from Innovation Credit Union and Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) Community Development Corporation (CDC). Both answered the call of support for this exciting project with their donation of $100,000 each.

Foundation Chairperson Cheryl Gantefoer recognized the long-term commitment of Innovation Credit Union and BATC Community Development Corporation to enhanced patient care at BUH, and thanked them for their generosity in giving back to the community.

“Projects such as the Innovative Operating Suite would not be possible without community support and organizations such as Innovation Credit Union and BATC CDC.  We extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for supporting BUH Foundation as we raise funds for Battlefords Union Hospital,” stated Gantefoer.

Remaining funds for the Innovative Operating Suite will come through the BUHF 2009 $100,000 Cash Lottery and the 2009 Festival of Trees.  The Foundation thanks all local and area residents and businesses that support these special events and help make projects such as the Innovative Operating Suite a reality.

Joan Chartier, Director of Acute Care Services and BUH Surgical Unit Nursing Manager Jacquie Baynham, who spearheaded the project, explained that the innovation will relocate all surgical connections and equipment from the floor and walls of the operating theatre and suspend them from booms and service platforms mounted on the ceiling. The suspended booms and attached service platforms can be rotated with ease 360 degrees around the operating theatre. They can be manoeuvred into the most convenient position for the surgical team during an operation and moved out of the way overhead when they are not needed.  They are controlled through a command station that is electronically linked to all of the service platforms.

“The result will be enhanced safety for the surgical patient and the surgical team,” said Baynham. “The floor area around the patient becomes free of any congestion or hazards from hoses, cords and equipment, and the surgical team can remain totally focused on the patient.”

Baynham, Dr. Retief, General Surgeon, Chief of Staff and Dr. Botha, Anesthetist, Chair of Surgical / Anesthetic Committee expressed gratitude to the Foundation, Innovation Credit Union, BATC Community Development Corporation, and the community for their generous support of the project.

Cheryl Gantefoer, Chair of BUH Foundation Board of Directors accepts $100,000 cheque from Innovation Credit Union CEO, Brian Maunula, and BATC CDC Board Member Elliot Kahpeaysewat and Don Buglas