Enhancing Supporting Patient Safety and Staff Efficiency at Taber Health Centre with Central Monitoring System

The 2024 Fall Campaign successfully raised funds for a new Central Monitoring System at the Taber Health Centre.

This advanced Central Monitoring System introduces new technology that will greatly improve the current monitoring capabilities, allowing staff to respond more quickly to patient needs.

The new software enhances the Taber Health Centre's monitoring equipment with tools and features that promote clinical workflow efficiencies and improve patient safety. It consolidates data for easy analysis and produces comprehensive reports that support and document caregiving communications. Currently, the existing system is limited to the acute care area and can monitor only a few patients simultaneously. The new system, however, will be installed in the Emergency Department and can monitor multiple patients, including those in acute care. Additionally, it includes alarm features to promptly notify healthcare providers of any changes in a patient's condition.

The importance of having a Central Monitoring System in the Emergency Department is vital. It is where patients require consistent and close monitoring allowing multiple team members to assess, diagnose and treat quickly to improve patient outcomes.

The Foundation thanks its donors and sponsors for their support in this campaign. An update on the full Emergency Department upgrade will be available soon.

Watch for details:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

Qube Monitors for the Emergency Department.

The 2024 Fall Pledge Drive has achieved notable success, primarily supporting the campaign for the Central Monitoring System. Additionally, it has allowed for the funding of three Qube Monitors for the Emergency Department.

With these new monitors, every room in the Emergency Department will have bedside access to this essential technology. The Qube Monitors are compatible with Connect Care, enabling the seamless integration of information with the Central Monitoring System. This enhancement will improve the efficiency and utilization of equipment in the Emergency Room, enabling nursing staff to monitor vital signs quickly and effectively at the bedside.

Key features of the Qube Monitors include:

• Data Storage: Stores 96 hours of vital sign data, allowing for comprehensive review when necessary.

• Heart Rhythm Detection: Identifies heart rhythms and can print strips for real-time bedside assessment.

• Capnography Option: Monitors carbon dioxide levels and respiration rates, which is crucial for patients facing respiratory issues or who are intubated.

• Thermometer: Detects temperature, which is automatically recorded in Connect Care for easy charting.

We extend our gratitude to our donors and supporters for their contributions to a successful 2024 Fall Campaign. Please stay tuned for more updates on the Emergency Department enhancement.

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

New Bariatric Shower Chair Enhances Comfort for Long-Term Care Residents

A new Bariatric Shower Chair has arrived for patients in Long-Term Care at the Taber Health Centre, thanks to the generosity of Dairy Queen’s Blizzard Treat Day and the incredible support from our local volunteers and community members.

This specially designed reclining chair offers enhanced comfort and safety for residents who have difficulty supporting their upper bodies. It provides a safer, more comfortable alternative to traditional tub baths, allowing residents to enjoy showers with greater ease. The chair is easy to clean, ergonomically designed, and built to ensure both comfort and security.

We’re grateful for the continued support that makes these improvements possible, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on our residents’ daily lives.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

Welcome Tylyn to the Board

Tylyn, a lifelong resident of Taber, is excited about the opportunity to give back to her community. With a professional background as an accountant at Avail CPA since 2018, she brings valuable skills and insights. Joining the board is a significant milestone for Tylyn, and she feels honoured to collaborate with a team that has made substantial contributions to the healthcare landscape in Taber and its surrounding areas.

She looks forward to actively ensuring community members have access to the healthcare services they require and deserve.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

2024 Fall Pledge Campaign Goal Surpassed!

The Taber and District Health Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously supported our Fall Campaign.  Thanks to your incredible contributions, we raised an impressive total of $302,479.62.  

These funds will be used to acquire a Central Monitoring System for the Taber Health Centre.  Additionally, a portion of the remaining funds will be allocated toward the purchase of three new Qube Space Lab Monitors to enhance patient care in the Emergency Department.  

The Central Monitoring System offers new technology that will significantly enhance the existing monitoring system, increasing the efficiency of our staff and enabling them to respond to patient’s needs more urgently. The Space Lab monitors not only monitor vital signs but also the cardiac rhythms of patients thus increasing the efficiency and use of equipment for the Emergency Room.

Your support truly makes a difference – thank you.

Taber Health Centre Introduces New Bladder Scanner

The Taber Health Centre has recently acquired a new piece of diagnostic equipment, the Bladder Scanner. This non-invasive, portable tool is essential for diagnosing, managing, and treating urinary outflow dysfunction, enhancing the quality of care provided at the facility.

The bladder scanner allows healthcare staff to accurately detect and define the location, size, and shape of the bladder. Additionally, it measures the volume of fluid contained within the bladder, providing critical information that influences treatment decisions and care planning.

Utilized across various departments within the hospital, the bladder scanner plays an important role in diagnostics and treatment decision-making processes. This upgraded scanner improves the accuracy and efficiency of bladder assessments. This enables healthcare professionals to deliver timely and precise care to patients and residents.

This new bladder scanner replaces an older unit that is no longer in use, ensuring that staff have access to the latest technology to improve their diagnostic capabilities. With faster assessment times and greater reliability, the upgraded bladder scanner significantly enhances the overall patient experience at Taber Health Centre.

Thank you for your generous donations towards the purchase of a bladder scanner. Your support plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care at Taber Health Centre.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

"Just-in-Time": Qube Vital Signs Monitor for the ER

We're excited to announce the addition of the Qube Vital Signs Monitor to our emergency room toolkit!

While traditional vital sign measurements such as blood pressure and pulse oximetry remain foundational, these modern devices offer much more than just basic readings. They deliver comprehensive insights through various features that enhance patient monitoring:

1. Visual Monitoring of Trends: These devices include graphical displays that allow healthcare providers to observe changes and trends in a patient’s vital signs over time. This visualization enables clinicians to detect subtle variations that might signal potential complications or the need for immediate intervention.

2. Data Retention: The capability to store 96 hours of historical data is invaluable. In critical situations, healthcare providers can quickly review previous vital sign measurements to identify patterns or changes in the patient’s condition, enabling informed decision-making.

3. Heart Rhythm Detection: Advanced monitoring systems are equipped with the ability to detect heart rhythms, providing printed strips for immediate assessment. This feature is particularly useful for identifying arrhythmias or monitoring cardiac performance at the bedside without delay.

4. Capnography Option: With the attachment, these devices can also monitor capnography, which measures carbon dioxide levels in exhaled air. This feature is crucial for patients with respiratory concerns or those who are intubated, offering insights into their respiratory status and helping guide appropriate interventions.

5. Integrated Thermometry: These monitoring systems include an integrated thermometer. With this attachment, temperature readings are detected and automatically submitted to Connect Care for efficient charting, reducing the risk of manual entry errors and saving time for healthcare professionals.

Overall, the Qube Vital Signs Monitor is a tool that empowers healthcare providers with just-in-time information. Their ability to aggregate and display vital sign data effectively enhances our capacity to deliver the highest level of care to our patients at the bedside. By leveraging these technologies, we can ensure timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

Thank you to our generous donors and partners for making this happen.

New Chair of the Board

The Taber and District Health Foundation wishes to announce and congratulate Amanda Kimoto as the new Chairperson for our organization. Amanda has been with the Foundation as a trustee since January 2021 and has recently been promoted to the Board Chairperson position following the retirement of Joely Megyes from the Board.

As a registered nurse, Amanda brings a unique perspective to the board as a front-line healthcare worker.

“I am honoured to be the Chair for the Taber & District Health Foundation and look forward to the many great enhancements that will be made to healthcare in our community. We would not be successful without the generous support from the donors and volunteers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Joely Megyes for her time on the board and most recently as Board Chairperson."

The Foundation will soon begin its fall campaign, and we hope the community will support this year’s project of purchasing a Central Monitoring System for the Taber Health Centre.

The Impact of Volunteerism at Taber Health Centre

At the Taber Health Centre, volunteers play a significant role in enhancing patient care and the overall atmosphere of the facility. One dedicated volunteer, Edmund, has become a well-known figure in the community and a cherished asset to the health center.

Edmund visits the center weekly, circulating among designated units to engage with patients and residents. His friendly demeanour and willingness to listen make him a valuable companion to those who may be feeling isolated or lonely. The social interaction Edmund provides is so important, contributing significantly to the emotional well-being of patients.

In addition to his social visits, Edmund brings along a cart filled with items funded in part by the Taber & District Health Foundation. This cart comprises a range of items designed to bring comfort and joy to patients, including puzzles, books, and games. It also contains personal care items and small treats, allowing patients to receive something personal and meaningful.

The excitement surrounding Edmund's visits is palpable among the patients and residents. Many look forward to his arrival, not only for the items he distributes but also for the companionship he provides. His approach fosters a sense of community and connection, reminding patients that they are not alone in their journey.

Volunteers like Edmund are essential to the mission of the Taber & District Health Foundation. Their contributions enrich the lives of patients, making their experience at the health center more compassionate and caring. By supporting programs that facilitate such volunteer efforts, the Taber & District Health Foundation continues to enhance the quality of life for those in care.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

New Equipment for Pediatric Patients

The Octostop Pediatric Immobilizer has officially arrived at the Taber Health Centre, ushering in a new era of enhanced safety and efficiency for pediatric X-rays. This equipment is designed to securely position children, minimizing their movement during imaging and significantly reducing the need for repeated X-rays.

Previously, taking X-rays of young patients often required additional staff or parents in leaded suits to ensure stability. With the introduction of the Octostop, fewer personnel are necessary, which is particularly beneficial in rural settings where staff may be limited. This advancement translates to quicker, safer, and more effective imaging experiences for our youngest patients.

A special thank you goes to our generous donors whose support made this possible.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

Blizzard Treat Day 2024 - A Success!

The Foundation is grateful to have partnered with the owners and staff of Taber Dairy Queen for this year’s Blizzard Day.  Your support of Blizzard Treat Day on April 26, 2024, helped to raise $5,227.00 to purchase a Bariatric Shower Chair for Long Term Care at the Taber Health Centre.

The reclining shower chair enables the residents who cannot support their upper body to be comfortable and safe. It also allows them to have the ability to enjoy a shower vs a tub bath. The chair is easy to clean, comfortable for the resident, user-friendly, and ergonomically safe.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

Welcome Debbie Sargeant to the Board

The Taber and District Health Foundation is proud to welcome Debbie Sargeant to the Board of Trustees.  Debbie has lived in Taber for 40 years and during that time has filled the role of wife, mother, teacher, and coach.  She has found joy and fulfillment serving the community in many capacities including sitting on the board of the Taber Police Commission, Taber Recreation Board, Taber Sub-Division and Development Appeals Board, Ken McDonald Memorial Sports Park, Taber and District Soccer Association and Taber and District Sports Hall of Fame to name a few.

Debbie is thrilled to become a member of the board for the foundation and is honoured to join the team whose role is to raise funds to provide financial support that ensures the Taber Health Centre continues to provide the best healthcare possible.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

McHappy Day 2024 Results!

We are thrilled to announce that on May 8, 2024, with your purchase of any menu item, socks and/or coupons, McHappy Day raised $21,785.99 with 25% going to the Ronald McDonald House at $5,446.50 and $16,339.49 to our Foundation! McDonald's Canada puts this event on nationally with each franchise choosing their recipient for the funds. Our partners at the Taber McDonald's have graciously chosen TDHF as their non-profit. Their partnership means so much to our Foundation and the healthcare community here in Taber and District.

The funds raised from McHappy Day 2024 will be allocated towards purchasing a portable Fetal Monitoring Device for the Taber Health Centre.

The Taber Health Center is delivering more babies than ever. These upgraded fetal monitoring systems enable Labour and Delivery staff to safely and accurately monitor the baby and mom's well-being before and during labour while also ensuring the comfort of the mom as she can move around the room while monitoring is taking place. The transducers are also waterproof, which fits nicely for the patient who wants to labour and/or deliver in our water delivery tub. Being that the device is portable it can also be used wherever it is needed such as Labour and Delivery, ER, or the Operating Room. 

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram

New Tub for Residents at Clearview Lodge

Taber & District Health Foundation is pleased to announce the successful installation of the Arjo Tub at Clearview Lodge. This new tub was made possible by your generous donations.

The Arjo Tub is essential for providing weekly bathing for residents who require assistance. The replacement was necessary as the old tub had aged significantly, raising safety concerns and fears of a potential breakdown.

The new tub enables staff to monitor water temperature, secure residents in the lift, and lower them into the water safely. Additionally, it allows for the removal of residents from the tub while it drains, streamlining the bathing process. Residents can then be dried while still on the lift or under a heat lamp, enhancing comfort and efficiency.

This has been a welcome enhancement for both residents and staff at Clearview Lodge.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

Taber and District Health Foundation refurbishes Labour and Delivery Suites

Published by Alberta Health Services

A recent upgrade to the labour and delivery suites at the Taber Health Centre provides parents and their loved ones with increased comfort and peace of mind. The upgrade was a collaborative effort between the Taber and District Health Foundation, health centre staff and generous community donors.

Recent upgrades to the two suites included aesthetic changes with new cabinets creating better use of space and additional storage, updated flooring, paint, curtains, specialized lighting and technical upgrades with new TVs and Bluetooth speakers. 

New equipment was added to the rooms, with blanket warming cabinets, warming lights in washrooms, a birthing pool utilized by local midwives for water births, and updated electrical to support it all.

“These rooms provide a better patient experience, and it puts patients’ minds at ease when they walk in to deliver in an upgraded environment with upgraded equipment,” says Sarah Jordan, Site Manager at Taber Health Centre. “It provides a level of comfort knowing that they have the best equipment and space to keep them and their baby safe during the labour and delivery process.”

Taber continues to see an increase in births, increasing from 140 in 2022 to 205 babies born in 2023. Facility upgrades mean more babies born safely and comfortably, close to home.

“The improvements provide efficient use of the space making staff jobs easier and the upgraded equipment ensures proper assessment and management of the mom and newborns,” adds Jordan.

The project was supported by over $100,000 in donations from the Foundation’s annual appeals.

“We’re proud to support upgrades like these at the Taber Health Centre,” says Aline Holmen, Director of Fundraising and Development for the Taber and District Health Foundation. “Fostering collaboration between our donors and health care professionals, we strive to secure resources that amplify the quality of healthcare in our community.”

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

McDonald's Restaurant in Taber joined forces with TDHF

In May of 2023, McDonald's Restaurant in Taber joined forces with the Taber & District Health Foundation for the McHappy Day event. Together, we successfully raised $10,800.00 to enhance resources for Allied Health, a branch of Alberta Health Services (AHS) operating at the Taber Health Centre.

Allied Health at Taber Health Centre comprises a dedicated team of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-language Pathologists who deliver essential pediatric communication, feeding, and movement therapy services to children residing in Taber and the neighbouring communities.

The funds raised from this collaboration have facilitated the acquisition of various resources. These include a new children's rehabilitation treadmill, along with books, games, puzzles, feeding supplies, toys, equipment, and play structures. These items will enhance play-based therapy sessions, making them more engaging for both the children and their families. Additionally, the resources will offer a more extensive variety of environments for the children to learn, develop, and thrive in.

“We are so grateful for the resources that have been provided, which are already well utilized.  As our space is limited, It has been so helpful to have the treadmill to analyze walking patterns, and to provide walking-based therapy to children who walk at a much slower pace.  The new toys have been used every session and it's great seeing kids excited to use the games and activities for therapy purposes.  Thanks again McDonalds and Taber and District Health Foundation for organizing and fundraising for our program.” - Sam Fowler, DPT, Physiotherapist

We wish to thank Jordan Brown and his staff at McDonald’s Taber for their ongoing support of the Taber & District Health Foundation towards initiatives/equipment for children in our community.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

New Stretchers with Enhanced Features for Taber Health Centre

The Taber & District Health Foundation recently purchased five stretchers for the Emergency Room at the Taber Health Centre. These new stretchers are equipped with IsoFlex mattresses to ensure added comfort for patients during their stay.

One of the key features of these new stretchers is the integrated scale system, which automatically calculates the patient's weight. This feature is particularly useful for accurately administering medication and facilitating patient movement or transfers. Moreover, the inclusion of an electric power lift eliminates the need for manual lifting, reducing strain on healthcare providers.

In addition, these new stretchers are equipped with an alarm system that alerts staff in case a patient falls out or attempts to leave the stretcher.   All of these features will add to the safety of the patient and the staff working with those patients.

With the recent upgrades in the Emergency Room area, the introduction of these advanced stretchers is a welcome addition.

Stay in the Loop:

Subscribe to the Health Foundation News Flash

Follow @tdhf on Facebook and Instagram 

Enhancing Patient Care with Point of Care Urinalysis Equipment

The Taber Hospital's Emergency Room and Acute Care areas have recently integrated the Clinitek Statis Analyzer to improve patient diagnostics and streamline healthcare processes. This device not only facilitates routine testing but also enables the early detection of kidney disease and performs pregnancy testing, significantly enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

This analyzer will reduce the need to call the laboratory for analysis, particularly during evening hours, ensuring swift and efficient diagnostics for patients in these critical care areas. By providing point-of-care urinalysis, the device supports healthcare professionals in delivering timely and accurate treatment plans, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes. Moreover, the equipment works directly with the Connect Care system, which is a part of the recent healthcare technology implementation in our region. This connectivity enables healthcare providers to seamlessly track and record patient data, contributing to a more integrated and efficient healthcare delivery system.

It is noteworthy that this was made possible through the collaborative efforts with Dairy Queen and their Blizzard Treat Day fundraiser that was held in April. The contributions and assistance from our volunteers and participants in Blizzard Treat Day have made this achievement possible.

Enhancing Maternity Care Through Generous Donations

In the summer of 2022, the Taber Hospital introduced a new birthing option - the birth pool. Thanks to the community's support and generous donations, the Taber & District Health Foundation was able to purchase liners for the birth pool, enhancing the experience for expectant mothers and their families. Furthermore, it has served as an effective tool for pain relief during labour, providing a more comfortable and calming environment for mothers-to-be. Over the past year, Taber Hospital has observed a substantial surge in the overall number of births, including a noteworthy increase in the utilization of waterbirths attended by Registered Midwives.

“In 2023 out of the 64 midwifery births, 26 women were able to utilize the waterbirth program. Women report tremendous pain relief and a positive birth experience when using water immersion, we are very grateful to have this to offer.” - Stacey Peleskey, Midwife.

Notably, Taber Hospital stands as the sole facility in the south zone to offer waterbirth as an available option, further cementing its commitment to providing innovative and holistic birthing services to the community.