The new equipment includes a Bispectral index (BIS) monitor for the Anaesthetics Department, which is used to monitor Electroencephalography (EEG) waves coming out of the brain. The equipment helps Anaesthetists to ensure the exact amount of anaesthetic is administered and further reduces any risks to the patient.
Tabs mats and alarms have also been funded by HEFF for Ward 2. These are sensor pads that patients sit on either in bed or on a chair. When a patient stands up the pad will bleep, alerting staff so they can respond to the patient’s movement. These pads are used to try to reduce the risk of a patient falling.
Ward staff across the hospital have also benefited from 25 handheld pulse oximeters, which are used to monitor the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. These handheld devices will help support improvement work on reducing cardiac arrests by ensuring observations are taken to a high standard.
The Elective Orthopaedic Unit has also received new equipment thanks the charity - in the form of a Bladder Scanner. The Unit primarily cares for patients undergoing knee and hip replacements so the majority of patients have surgery under a spinal anaesthetic. The scanner will allow patients bladders to be assessed beforehand determining whether or not a catheter is needed before the operation takes place.
Judith Read, Charity Coordinator, Bay Hospitals Charity, said: “We are very lucky to have such loyal and committed support from the HEFF Committee. They work tirelessly to raise funds for their local hospital, and since their formation, they have raised well over £1million, which is an amazing testament to them. The newly funded equipment is already making a difference at the hospital and on behalf of the Trust and staff at FGH; I offer them our grateful thanks.”
The HEFF committee continue to work hard, raising funds for equipment for the hospital year on year, and you can support them if you wish. As well as various fundraising events, they also run a very popular charity shop on Cavendish Street in Barrow-in-Furness, which is supported by the local community. Bay Hospitals Charity is a registered charity that raises funds and supports UHMBT’s five hospital sites. Donations received go to providing those little extras that help make the hospital experience better or improve outcomes for patients. Money is used to fund additional medical equipment, medical research, specialist training and service improvements. It is the generosity of the local communities that enables the charity to enhance and support the hospitals across Morecambe Bay and the lives of the 365,000 people that live here.