The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has announced some new capital equipment investments for the Wallaceburg and Chatham campuses.
CKHA officials say they are acquiring new and upgraded equipment and technology, which is imperative to maintaining the delivery of safe, high quality care for local patients and their families.
The recent announcement of the organization’s 2017/18 Recovery Plan, designed to help achieve a balanced budget for CKHA, has enabled the organization to address its high priority capital equipment needs.
“I am pleased that through our collective efforts, we have been afforded the opportunity to invest in much-needed capital equipment that will enhance patient care,” stated Lori Marshall, president and CEO, in a press release.
“New and upgraded equipment is essential to maintaining the high quality care our staff, physicians and volunteers deliver on a daily basis.”
New investments in capital equipment include:
– New Laryngoscope in Emergency Department – a tool used for physicians when used for intubation
– Point of Care Ultrasound and resources to support advanced training for ER Physicians at both Campuses
– Transport Neonatal/Infant Isolette – for critical patient transfers to tertiary centres (Women and Children’s Program)
– Vital signs monitors
– Trauma stretchers (3) (Emergency)
– Transvenous pacemakers (3) (Intensive Care Unit)
– Surgical table (Operating Room)
– Microscope (Laboratory)
– Patient showers and bathroom repair
CKHA officials say the 2017/18 Recovery Plan was developed to ensure CKHA can continue to deliver exceptional healthcare while investing in new and expanded programs, support equipment renewal, and facility repair/replacement while achieving financial performance that is equivalent to peer hospitals.
This plan included a budget of $1 million capital dollars for the purchase of new equipment this year.
“I am thrilled we have been given the go-ahead to immediately address the most urgent equipment needs for our programs and services across both sites,” stated Jerome Quenneville, vice President and chief financial officer.
“This is a significant step to ensuring the sustainable delivery of high quality care for the long-term and enables us to better focus on addressing the larger fragilities associated with our current buildings.”
CKHA officials say the equipment was selected based on priorities identified by the medical and hospital staff.
A small portion of these funds will be retained for unexpected repairs or replacements and maintaining a safe environment.
The CKHA medial leadership are happy with the investments as well.
“I am pleased that our Emergency physicians will have access to a new video-laryngoscope – a special tool used during intubation,” stated Dr. Anthony Dixon, chief and program medical director of emergency medicine.
“This essential piece of equipment is most often used to maintain an open airway in critically ill patients and enables the care team to administer life-saving measures. The purchase of this high priority equipment will enable our Emergency team to maintain the safe delivery of high quality care.”
Dr. Wendy Edwards, chief of paediatrics and co-medical director of the women & children’s program, said acquiring a new transport neonatal/infant isolette will assure new parents and families that their critically ill newborns remain safe on their patient transfer journey from CKHA to tertiary care centres.
“This special life-saving equipment will certainly make a difference for our tiniest patients and their families at a precarious time in their lives,” she stated.
Dr. Elizabeth Haddad, chief of surgery and co-medical director of the surgical program said she is appreciative to receive the opportunity to address urgently needed equipment within the CKHA operating room.
“The addition of a new cutting-edge surgical table ensures we can continue the delivery of safe, high quality care efficiently to our patients and their families,” she stated.
CKHA officials say these dedicated funds, along with much needed donations through the community support of the Foundation of CKHA will continue to support the hospital’s staff in the delivery of quality healthcare to the community.
CKHA’s leadership team also continues to work with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on a long-term capital planning process for more extensive upgrades and renovations at both the Chatham and Sydenham Campuses.
In fall 2017, CKHA will begin a five-year capital planning process to help plan for the long term revitalization of both the Chatham and Sydenham Campuses and align funding as appropriate.
CKHA continues to work closely with its Foundation to raise additional funds for capital and infrastructure renewal projects.
