Purchases

 

7-Day Holter Monitor

A holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records the heart’s rhythm and can detect or determine the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).  A patient typically is requested to wear one for 24-48 hours.  However, BUH has seen an increasing number of requests for patients to wear the device for seven days.  With monitors that would only record for 48 hours, patients were having to come back to the hospital 3 or 4 times during their monitoring to have the test completed.  The simple purchase of a 7-day holter monitor eliminates the need for patients to return multiple times, thus improving patient care by making the process easier and more efficient for all involved.  


Laparoscopice Needle Driver

The OR is grateful for the arrival of a left-handed laparoscopic needle driver.  A needle driver is used during laparoscopic surgeries to grasp the needle and enable free-hand suturing of wounds or incisions.  Prior to this purchase the left-handed surgeons only had access to the right-handed instruments.  We are grateful for the donor support that made this purchase possible and that allows for ease of use for surgeons, increased accuracy and comfort and enriched patient care.

 


 

Dual Chamber External Pacemaker

Through Dual Chamber External Pacemakergenerous donations received, the Emergency Department at BUH has received a new dual chamber external pacemaker.  A dual chamber external pacemaker can be used to treat patients suffering from symptomatic bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachyarrhythmia (fast heart rate).  It provides temporary electrical cardiac stimulation through wires inserted into the heart chambers and stabilizes a patient’s heartbeats.  Once stable, patients can be safely transported to a tertiary hospital where a cardiologist is available for further care and a permanent pacemaker may replace the external unit.
See full media release here.


New Oxygen Concentrator for Patients on Third Floor

Third Floor received a new oxygen concentrator from BUH Foundation for their patients.  An oxygen concentrator is used to produce oxygen for patients that have low oxygen levels in their blood.  This concentrator will benefit patients as it is a portable unit and will decrease the demand for and number of oxygen tanks on the ward.  Currently, many oxygen units are attached to the wall, limiting patient’s mobility and confining them to their room or bed for extended periods of time.  The new, portable oxygen concentrator will increase quality of life as patients will be able to interact with family and friends outside of their room or attend health conferences.  It can allow patients to be near a nursing station, both for increased social interaction and to allow nursing staff to closer monitor those patients who may require it.  Thank you for supporting purchases such as this that truly enrich patient care for our family and friends.


Monthly Lottery Supporters Purchse New Bariatric Treatment Chair for Home Care

Every year, Battlefords Region Home Care (BRHC) staff perform over 3,000 procedures in the Home Care treatment rooms at BUH and of these, 1,800 require the use of a treatment chair.  A new, electric bariatric treatment chair will meet the needs of Home Care clients by providing a larger, more specialized treatment chair and replace the current chair that is 10 years old.  For both medical staff and clients, having access to equipment that readily adapts to their safety and needs is extremely important.  Thank you to all of those who helped to make this purchase possible.


 

New Lockers for Patients Receiving Chemotherapy Treatments

Patient LockersBUH Foundation is pleased to purchase a set of lockers for patients receiving chemotherapy treatments.  This need was expressed as patients were having to haul items back and forth for each treatment. Now they can leave them safely in storage and eliminate the added hassle of carrying them for each appointment.  Thank you to the generous donor that helped make this possible and enriched patient care.

 


New "Cuddle" Bed for Palliative Care

There is a strong palliative care program at BUH with dedicated and supportive staff working to meet the needs of clients and their families.  One way they recently did this was through the purchase of a “cuddle” bed.  A “cuddle” bed is a bed that can expand from 35” to up to 48”.  This allows for loved ones to be near their family member and can provide solace and comfort for patients and those close to them.  “There are no words to describe that little bit of happiness and comfort for the time I got to spend with my husband. […] This bed allowed me to be close to him without squatting like in the regular hospital beds.” (Patient testimonial from montcalmcare.co.uk) This is a wonderful addition to BUH and fulfills a real need.  Thank you for donating to make this purchase possible.


Technology Isn't Always Required 

Sometimes it's the simplest of things that make a big difference.  Women's Health & Birthing Centre (WHBC) provided surveys to their patients to find out what they needed from healthcare.  What patients asked for were comfortable, firm chairs to nurse their newborns.  There was currently nothing suitable that provided the support new moms needed.  The Foundation was able to be a part of meeting this need and purchased four high backed armchairs for WHBC.  The same chairs were also purchased for Out Patient Day Surgery (OPDS) as these patients too were in need of an option that was more supportive and sturdy for their recovery. 


Pediatric Crib to Support the Youngest of Patients

Donations were received through the 2019/2020 Monthly Lottery to purchase a new pediatric crib with weigh scale.  Pediatric cribs are used for pediatric patients within the OR that may be admitted for tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies or dental surgeries, as well as for pediatric patients admitted to medical or in-patient units for various illnesses.  No matter which department or reason, having access to equipment that readily adapts to the safety and needs of pediatric patients is extremely important.  BUH required a new pediatric crib, with weigh scale, as this allows medication to be determined based on a child's weight, stress-free to the child and their family.  There were previously five pediatric cribs, all without weigh scales, but often there was another child who was in need of a crib.  Thank you for giving them one.


New Cardiac Monitoring System won't Miss a Beat

  Staff at BUH were excited to install the new Cardiac Monitoring System (CMS), the first of its kind within the province.  The CMS replaces and upgrades the previous system and increases the number of telemetry packs available for patients.  The entire system will monitor patient heart conditions and concerns anywhere within BUH.  This ensures patient safety and assists in diagnosis of conditions.  The funds raised for the new CMS were received through the capital campaign, "We Don't Want to Miss a Beat."  Thank you for supporting this campaign and ensuring the best at BUH for our family and friends.

*image during training of the new system


Patients Benefit from new Blanket & Fluid Warmer for Emergency

Donations were received through the 2018 $100,000 Cash Lottery to support the purchase of a new Blanket & Fluid Warmer for the Emergency Department at BUH.  Each year the Emergency Department (ED) at BUH receives over 25,000 patient arrivals and some of these are trauma related.  Trauma patients often experience hypothermia from their injuries.  Hypothermia is a condition when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.  This can cause a dangerously low core body temperature, further compromising the patient's condition and recovery. In order to prevent this, patients are wrapped in warmed blankets and IV fluids administered are warmed.  This not only provides comfort but aides in a faster recovery.  

 


 

New Lift Recliner for Palliative Care Patients

Lift Recliner for PatientsBUH Foundation purchased a new lift recliner for patients within Palliative Care.  The need was expressed for a chair that would allow patients to sit comfortably and assist them in standing up.  Current recliners were suitable for visitors, but too soft to meet the patient’s needs.  Within a day of this request being made for a patient, the chair was in place and was being used.

 

 

 


New Sleep Chairs for WHBC
Sleep Chair
The Women's Health & Birthing Centre (WHBC) is pleased to have six new Champion Sleep Chairs at BUH.  The sleep chairs are specifically designed for overnight visitors in hospital rooms and will be used in the rooms of new moms.  The WHBC promotes a family centred environment and encourages the partner to stay with mom and babe and learn how to look after their new baby together.  The sleep chairs will provide a more comfortable place for those who stay overnight as they welcome their new baby.  WHBC is kept busy and delivers over 500 babies in a year. 

 


NBCHS Senior Girls' Viking Basketball Team 'Pink Game' Purchases Chairs for Chemotherapy

Pink Team North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) Senior Girls’ Viking Basketball Team raised $12,708.49 for the chemotherapy department at BUH through the Hoops for Hope ‘Pink Game.’  The Hoops for Hope is a great challenge for teams where a different team in the league is challenged each year to raise funds and support a local charity of the team’s choice.  We are grateful to NBCHS Senior Girls’ Viking Basketball Team for choosing the Foundation and helping to purchase two new heated treatment chairs for chemotherapy patients.  BUH’s chemotherapy program runs five days a week and provides care for 225+ cancer patients, which is over 1700 treatments.  New, heated chairs will help to make these treatments a little more comfortable.


 

Patients to Benefit from new Pre-Op Chairs in the OR

Pre-Op Treatment ChairsThrough donations raised during the $100,000 Cash Lottery, three new patient treatment chairs were purchased for pre-op in the OR.  Over 3,100 surgical procedures are performed every year and the previous chairs were worn out.  The special feature of the chairs is that they recline into a full Trendelenburg position, which puts the patient's feet higher than their head.  This is the first-line intervention in the treatment of very low blood pressure and/or shock, and is considered life-saving, combined with proper treatment.  This is important in pre-op where patients can be worried or nervous.

Also shown in the photo are mobile dividing walls, purchased through funds donated to the Foundation.  These simple walls allow for a measure of privacy for patients going into surgery. 


Ultrasonic Cleaner for Cataract EquipmentUltrasonic Cleaner

The Foundation has supported many purchases within the cataract program at BUH to help enrich the care being provided.  Recent purchase includes an Ultrasonic Cleaner with basket to ensure that the new Ozil Handpieces and delicate instruments used in cataract surgeries are protected and not hitting each other during the required sterilization process.  We are pleased to support this purchase to extend the life of the instruments used and provide quality care at BUH.


 

ENT Surgeon & EquipmentENT Equipment Brings ENT Specialist to BUH

The Foundation is pleased to support the purchase of new, up-to-date medical equipment for the new Ears Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist within The Battlefords.  ENT specialists treat children and adults and diagnose and treat conditions of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck.  The Battlefords have been without an ENT specialist for two years and required new surgical instruments, drill system, microscope and a nerve monitor to meet current standard of care levels and to provide the best care possible for our family and friends.  The addition of the ENT specialist within The Battlefords will allow many families to receive medical treatment closer to home, with reduced travel time, expenses and waiting lists.


 BUH Celebrates new CT Scanner

The Foundation committed to fund $600,000 towards the purchase of a new CT Scanner for BUH.  The 2017 CT Scannerprevious unit was over 10 years old and had reached its end of life.  This is a significant purchase for BUH as the CT Scanner is used regularly for diagnosis and is a vital unit to have available within the community.  CT Scanners aide in the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and infectious diseases and injuries, including internal injuries from car accicents or other types of trauma.  The new CT Scanner has a lower radiation dose for patients, and has an increased number of "slices," which means sharper, clearer, more detailed images that are acquired faster, making scans easier for patients and helping to provide a more accurate diagnosis.  Thank you to everyone who supported this purchase. 


New iPad to Help Speech Therapy Clients

iPad for Speech PathologyAn iPad with apps was purchased to be used as a learning and communication tool for speech therapy clients, 18 years and older at BUH.  Currently, clients at BUH only had access to a picture or alphabet board, which limited their communication and learning.  The iPad and apps will increase their ability to communicate by having apps that can do more than a picture board can.  We received a thank you note from the Speech Language Pathologist extending her appreciation for investing in this tool to enrich the lives of her clients as she has already been able to use it to demonstrate therapy ideas and to trial methods of communicating.


 OR Receives Two Syringe Pumps for use in C-Sections

Syringe PumpThe generosity of donors during the 2016/2017 Monthly Lottery allowed for not just one, but two syringe pumps for use in C-sections to be purchased.  A syringe pump is used to deliver the IV medications and fluids at the very accurate and metered dosages and rates required.  This purchase will allow for continued safe and effective care for mothers and babies within our community.


New Blanket Warmer & Vital Signs Monitors for ChemotherapyBlanket Warmer

The staff and patients within the Chemotherapy department are grateful for the new Blanket Warmer and two new vital signs monitors purchased through the Foundation.  Vital signs monitors are used to measure a patient's heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.  This allows nurses to know if a patient is stable or if they are in distress and medical intervention is required.

The new Blanket Warmer ensures there is always a warm blanket to comfort patients.  Chemotherapy treatments can last up to five hours and patients can be cold and uncomfortable during this period.  Something as simple as a warm blanket can make a big difference.  The Blanket Warmer was purchased in part through donations made in memory of Phil & Gary Boskill. 


New Family Conference Room on Third Floor

Family Conference RoomThrough donations received towards the Palliative Care department, the Foundation is honoured to be a part of a new Family Conference Room on Third Floor.  It was noted by families that there was not a comfortable, private location for families and patients to discuss their care, so a room was made availabe but required furnishings to make it comfortable.  Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation was able to support the purchase of a table and chairs and cabinet and help provide an appropriate space. 


Physiotherapy Patients to Benefit from new Interferential Therapy MachineInterferential Therapy Machine

A new Interferential Therapy Machine was purchased for BUH’s Physiotherapy Department.  The Interferential Therapy Machine is an effective and non-invasive therapy option to relive pain and accelerate the self-healing process through interferential current therapy.  Many of the patients at BUH’s Physiotherapy Department have medical conditions associated with chronic pain and/or inflammation.  The Interferential Therapy Machine is extremely useful in reducing pain, inflammation, reducing edema and spasms.  It does so by transmitting electrical impulses in minute quantities through the skin.  The frequencies produced are proven to stimulate nerve fibers to produce an analgesic effect and create a self-healing process without the need for medications.


New Equipment for Cataract Procedures

OZil HandpiecesNew OZil® Handpieces for cataract surgeries have been purchased.  BUH performs about 800 cataract procedures every year.  They help patients regain their sight to read, drive and see their grandchildren again.  Procedures are performed on a weekly basis and the OZil® handpieces, used to break down the cataracts, require sterilization between uses.  Therefore, in order to see the maximum number of patients each week, a  full set of OZil® handpieces were required, and has now been met.

 

 


Four New Bassinets for Women's Health & Birthing Centre

Four new bassinets were purchased for Women's Health & Birthing Centre.  The bassinBassinets for WHBCets provide a safe and comfortable environment for the infants while providing maximum visibility of them.  The cabinet underneath is available for diaper changing needs and other necessary supplies and the bassinets can be easily wheeled between nursery and mother’s room.  The new bassinets are replacing the aging units previously in use and we know families will appreciate these wonderful new purchases.

 


SimBaby Package for Education Lab at BUH

SimBaby PackageBUH Foundation is grateful to BATC Community Development Corporation (BATC CDC) for supporting the purchase a SimBaby package.  This package consists of a mannequin that simulates a baby under 12 months and the medical equipment to practice real life scenarios on it.  The SimBaby will provide training for routine care and critical emergencies for the first and second year students of family medicine at BUH, as well as doctors and nursing staff in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and Obstetrics.  This additional asset in the Education Lab will allow staff to practice and perfect their skills in a risk-free environment and ensures well-trained, confident staff is available to provide the best possible care in our community.


New Sit-Stand Lift in Memory of Dr. WestonPalliative Care Coordinator & Liz Weston with Sit-Stand Lift

Dr. Weston was a founding member of BUH Foundation and served the members of The Battlefords for many years.  In June 2014 Dr. Weston passed away and donations were made in his memory for a new Arjo Sit-Stand Lift for Battlefords Region Home Care’s Adult Day Program.  A Sit-Stand Lift aids in transferring clients from their bed to a chair or to the bathroom.  It is designed for a safe and comfortable transfer for both the client and the caregiver.  It allows transfers by one caregiver for bariatric patients, rather than two or three, making it much more comfortable for the client.  The addition of the Sit-Stand Lift to the Adult Day Program will allow clients requiring a higher level of assistance to continue to attend the program.


Home Care Enriched through new Medical Recliner Treatment Chair

Medical Recliner Treatment ChairBattlefords Region Home Care (BRHC) has an average of 150 visits per month for numerous types of treatments and therapies that can take ten minutes or a couple of hours to complete.  They comfort level of these visits was substantialy enriched with the purchase of a new Medical Recliner Treatment Chair.  This chair replaces the office chair that was being used and provides simply features, like reclining with a footrest and a sidetray, that make changing of dressings or IVs much more comfortable for both patient and healthcare provider. 

 


Operating Room Receives new GlidescopeGlidescope for OR

The Operating Room (OR) at BUH is pleased to have received a new GlideScope Titanium Laryngoscope System from the Foundation.  A GlideScope System assists in rapid intubation of patients when needing to insert breathing or nasal gastric tubes for surgery.  The new System includes pediatric capabilities that weren’t available on the old unit, but had to be borrowed from the Emergency Department.  The OR at BUH sees approximately 270 surgical patients in a month and many of them will benefit from this new purchase.


New Chairs Provide Warmth

Chemo Nursing Staff with new ChairNew, heated recliner chairs have been purchased for the Chemotherapy and Renal Dialysis departments at BUH.  These chairs provide enriched comfort and warmth for patients during what can be a difficult time.  Treatments can last up to five hours and patients can be cold and uncomfortable during this period.  The addition of two chairs for each department, at this time, means patients can receive enriched care to provide whatever added comfort is possible.

 


 Every Dollar Counts

Throughout the year, donations received buy various pieces of necessary medical equipment that provide enriched patient care to our community.  These pieces are under $3,000 and may be small, but the difference they make to care provided is big.  Examples include Regulators for Suction Units for ICU, Magnifier Illuminated Lamp for ER, and Wheelchairs for patient transport.

Regulators for Suction Units                  Magnifier Illuminated Lamp                     Wheelchair

 


Vein Viewer Gives New Sight  

 Vein ViewerThe first donation of a five year pledge of $100,000 from Robert & Sandra Stromberg purchased a Vein Viewer, to be used in any department at BUH.  Robert shares, "Sandra & I have always believed in the value of community support and BUH Foundation fits our criteria of a worthy organization for our involvement.  We are hopeful that our contribution will be the catalyst for similar support to local healthcare at BUH."

The Vein Viewer uses near-infrared light and other patented techonologies to detect subcutaneous blood and create a digital image of the patient's superficial vein pattern, projected directly onto the surface of the skin in real time.  It helps to reduce the time to start an IV and to reduce the number of attempts to start an IV.  It can be used for patients with small or hard to find veins and help to make them more comfortable. 


New Equipment for Operating Room

Endoscopic Tower                                   Laparoscopic Tower

Funding received from BATC Community Development Corporation and Innovation Credit Union enabled the purchase of a new Endoscopic Tower & Processor Unit and a new Laparoscopic Tower, as well as upgrades to an existing tower, respectively.  The OR Team is very pleased with these purchases and Dr. Bairagi: General Surgeon, Endo Clinician, had this to share, "As a general surgeon and Endoscopy Clinician, I am very much aware of the improvements made at BUH with the recent equipment inventory both in Endo and Lap surgeries.  The entire BUH team is grateful for the financial support we receive every year from the Foundation and our community to make this equipment possible."  


 Five New Crash Carts for BUH 

 Crash Cart for 3rd Floor     Crash Cart for OR

With the support of the generous contributions of the community, including Battlefords Wildlife Federation, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #9, and the employees of Prairie North Health Region, BUHF was able to purchase Crash Carts for ER, ICU, OR, 3rd Floor Medical, and 2nd Floor, including Women's Health & Birthing Centre & Surgery.  Crash Carts are used in emergency situations to transport and dispense emergency medication and equipment for life support protocols to save someone’s life.  The new carts will ensure that each cart is stocked with the various emergency equipment and medical supplies needed and will help to create uniformity within departments so that no matter where the emergency occurs staff will be trained and ready to assist. 


 Donation Received by Breast Friends

Recliner from Breast FriendsThe Palliative Care Program is pleased to be a receipient of a donation from Breast Friends.  Breast Friends has raised over a million in donations through the sale of their cookbooks (which are available in the BUH Foundation Canteen & Gift Shop and help to support our own Breast Health Fund & Oncology program).  Proceeds help to raise awareness of cancer and Breast Friends give back to many community projects to help make a difference in people's lives.  We are very grateful for their contribution of a new leather recliner for a Palliative Care room as it enriches the comfort of family and friends.  Shown in photo is Scott Parker, Palliative Care Coordinator, with BUH Volunteer.


Palliative Care Bed

New Bed for Palliative Care

The Palliative Care Program received a new bed for one of the rooms due to the generosity of many individuals as they gave in memory of their loved ones.  Through the support of the community and surrounding area an Advanced Therapeutic Support System was purchased to assist in providing safe, comfortable, preventative therapy.  With features such as an low air loss and powered pressure redistribution mattress to provide comfort and advanced pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, as well as being able to provide both percussion and vibration therapy, this bed will help to enrich patient care.  It also has many benefits to the medical staff with reminder and safety features, allows multiple position changes, even moving into a chair position, and can even speak and sing to patients.  Thank you for making this purchase possible as we focus on the comfort and wellbeing of our family and friends.


 Cataract Patients Buy Cataract Kits

Cataract KitDue to the generosity of patients who received cataract surgery at BUH the Foundation was able to help purchase complete cataract kits for the surgical department.  These kits contain the necessary tools to complete a surgery.  Over 600 cataract surgeries were performed in the last year, with many reports of how wonderful the nurses and doctors were. 


 Tissue Processor for Laboratory

Tissue ProcessorThrough the support of BATC Community Development Corporation, BUH Foundation purchased a new Tissue Processor for the Pathology department in the Laboratory to replace the current unit that was outdated.  A tissue processor is an instrument that processes various tissues and aids in the accurate diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.  This new processer can allow for more specimens to be processed and is much safer, securer, more environmentally friendly, and allows for a better sample to be reviewed by a pathologist.  With approximately 25,000 pathology specimens processed in a year, this instrument will be important to the laboratory’s operations as they aid in the diagnosis of disease. 

 


 Donations Benefit Four Departments       

New Clocks In Memory of Doreen Pierce

New Clocks were purchased for all four of the Palliative Care rooms in memory of Doreen Pierce.

New Microwave in memory of Shirley Warwick

A new microwave was supplied for a palliative care room in memory of Shirley Warwick.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A new Blood Pressure Monitor for ER.

Platform Scale

A new Platform Scale for 3rd Floor Medical.

 

 Manual Blood Pressure Guage

A new Manual Blood Pressure Gauge for ICU.

 

Fetal Doppler for Prenatal Care

A new Fetal Doppler for Women's Health & Birthing to monitor the fetus' heartbeat for prenatal care.

 


Inferential Unit and Premier Broselow ColorCode Cart System

Inferential Unit"The quality of care patients receive in the physiotherapy department has been enhanced by the assisted purchase of a new inferential unit. The inferential unit is a machine that is used every day in the department to assist in a patient's recovery after an injury or disability. It's used to decrease swelling, pain, and muscle spasm and improves circulation. With this new purchase we can offer the treatment to more patients, eliminate wait time, and are now confident this treatment will still be available when the older machine quits working." ~ Cherie Illingworth, Physiotherapist.

"BUH Foundation has provided tremendous support to the healthcare team in the EmergencyColour Code  Cart Department (ER). I would like to express our gratitude for the opportunities to access financial support for further education that have enhanced significant learning opportunities within the ER. The knowledge gained through on-going learning has made us a stronger team and enhances the quality of care that we as professionals are able to deliver to the people of our community. We have also received the recent purchase of a Premier Broselow ColorCode Cart System allowing the healthcare team in ER to proceed with the care of infants/children in an organized manner, utilizing equipment that is specific to their needs." ~ Shelly Horsman, Nurse Manager, Emergency.


Murphy Beds for Palliative Care Rooms

The four Palliative Care rooms at Battlefords Union Hospital are now fully furnished with Murphy Beds. These compact units were purchased and installed to provide family members and friends of Palliative Care patients a comfortable option during extended stays, while still allowing physicians and nursing staff easy access to patients. The beds were purchased through donations received in memory of loved ones who were cared for on the ward.

Murphy bed - closed Murphy bed - open


New Mammography Equipment at BUH
Battlefords Union Hospital recently upgraded the Radiology Department with the purchase of Hologic Selenia Full Field Digital Mammography equipment. Fully installed and operational the last week of February 2008, this equipment allows the technologists to perform advanced diagnostic mammography in the morning and breast screening in the afternoon. The Foundation office raised $450,000.00 towards this much needed equipment purchase through the Breast Health Fund Campaign.

mammography technologists with equipment
Pictured above (left to right): Shirley Long - Clinical Applications Specialist,
Michelle Florence, Joan Matechuk & Colais Fransoo
(missing from picture Cathy Reinhart) - BUH Mammography Technologists


New Blood Analyzing Equipment

CobasProceeds from the 2007 $100,000 Cash Lottery along with a $100,000 contribution from BATC CDC were allocated towards the purchase of new automated, integrated chemistry system formally known as the Roche Cobas 6000 system, for the Lab at BUH. This equipment will assist lab personnel to test up to 600 blood samples per hour, which is a significant increase over the current rate. This new equipment also enables BUH Laboratory staff to keep up with the technological demand to provide more types of tests than are currently available. Test results are now available within 8 -12 hours, versus one week, allowing physicians and their teams to provide better patient monitoring.


The Paper Treadmill Campaign

Stress Test EquipmentAt the request of a family physician, normally 15 to 20 patients a week attend BUH for a stress test. Stress tests are ultimately used to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or to monitor the severity of this disease in previously diagnosed patients. The Foundation launched an exciting campaign in July 2007 to purchase a new cardiac stress test system to replace the current equipment, now 12 years old. Donors who supported this Campaign with a contribution of $25.00 or more received a paper treadmill with their name on it, which was displayed outside the Foundation office or on the wall across from the Stress Test Lab. The new Q Stress system is now in place, including a PC integrated ECG monitor and treadmill. Anaesthetic Machines... exciting addition to BUH & community


Anaesthetic MachinesA tremendous outpouring of support by the community in 2006 is now paying dividends, with four new anaesthetic machines in place in the operating room of Battlefords Union Hospital. Brett Wilson, former North Battleford resident, and now an oil executive in Calgary, challenged the community to raise $300,000 which he would match dollar-for-dollar. The community overwhelmingly rose to the challenge, raising just over $500,000, which Wilson happily matched with $500,000. "This advanced technology is the gold standard for anaesthetic monitoring in many types of surgeries," says OR Nursing Unit Manager Jacquie Baynham. But it's not just machines. Extensive installation and technical work was done with respect to a new data management system which was possible due to the additional funds the Dollar-for-Dollar campaign raised.


New Xray Machine for BUH

X-ray MachineThe xray machine purchased through the donation of $160,000.00 by Brett Wilson, includes the latest technology in diagnostic imaging. It replaces the previous machine as a trauma unit and with its auto tracking capabilities, benefits both patients and staff. The xray is fully adjustable for people of different heights, from children to adults. The new machine, with its supporting equipment and software moves BUH closer to a filmless environment. In time this will mean that xray films are no longer printed and will be maintained on computers. This piece of equipment enables staff to produce images faster and with less stress to patients involved in a car accident or similar trauma. Patients and staff will also be saved from exposure to radiation as staff will be able to take one picture, and produce two separate images. The new technology also provides an interactive module. Protocol has been established and input into the software which provides the approved standards for diagnostic imaging.


Endoscopic Equipment expands cancer screening capacity at BUH

EndoscopicBernard Franz of Meota and Al and Caren Baert of North Battleford have generously donated funds to BUHF to purchase endoscopy equipment for Battlefords Union Hospital. Bern Franz donated $100,000 in memory of his late wife, Bertha, who died of cancer in the fall of 2001. Al and Caren Baert, grand prize winners of the 2003 BUHF cash lottery, donated $10,000 of their winnings back to the Foundation. Endoscopy is a screening procedure for cancer. A gastroscope or colonoscope is used to visualize sections of the gastrointestinal tract. The equipment can also be used to diagnose the causes of heartburn, acid reflux, swallowing problems in the esophasgus, ulcers, tumors and polyps of the gastrointestinal tract.


Electric Tilt Table

electric tilt tableThe client is secured onto a horizontal table, then slowly raised as vertical as they can tolerate.  The client can rehab in standing much earlier, even if they need full support.  This table is used to achieve a standing position in those clients who have been on bed rest and are too weak to stand up even with assistance.

Indications:  Stroke patients, spinal cord injuries and sudden weakness limiting a patient to bed rest.

This item was purchased by the North Battleford Bonaventure Lions Club's 2003 Art Auction and general donations.


Arm Ergonmeterarm ergonmeter 

This is an arm bicycle.  This is a popular physiotherapy tool to improve cardiovascular fitness and upper extremity muscle strength.  It is necessary for patients that can't walk and/or use their legs to exercise.

This item was purchased by the North Battleford Bonaventure Lions Club's 2003 Art Auction.


Ultrasound Machineultrasound machine

Physiotherapists use this machine to deliver low frequency ultrasound waves to an injured body part.  The ultrasound causes thermal effects (deep breathing), vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels), acceleration of lymphatic flow, hyperaemia adn a micromassage on the tissue. 

Indications: Adhesions (scar tissues), pain and muscle spasms, Neuralgia, Calcified tendonitis, Haematoma (bruising) and swelling.

This item was purchased by the North Battleford Bonaventure Lions Club's 2003 Art Auction.


Cardiac Event Monitors

cardiac event monitorThis device is used to assist in diagnosing Cardiac Conditions on an out patient basis, while allowing the patient mobility to carry on with day-to-day activities.
When the patient feels symptoms that could be Cardiac related, he or she presses the record button. The data is downloaded by telephone to a Cardiac Technologist for interpretation and results are forwarded to the physician. Previously anyone needing such a device had to wait for one to become available from a Saskatoon Hospital.


portable fetal-heart-doptomePortable Fetal Heart Doptome

Picks up the Fetus's heart in the womb from 11 weeks to full term. Assists in assessing babies heart rate.


Dental cart

Dental Cart

Used to store sterilized surgical tools for dental surgery.


Other BUH Foundation Purchases

New Bed for Palliative Care

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