LAKEPORT >> Sutter Lakeside Hospital has introduced several new technologies that were funded by donors and Sutter Health System.
The technologies include a special imaging chair and standing platform that enable better X-ray images and a more comfortable, safe patient experience, a treadmill and patient monitoring systems that connect with electronic health records, and more intense, focused surgical lights for the operating room (OR).
The Hausted video imaging chair was designed for examining and X-raying patients who have difficulty speaking and swallowing after health events such as stroke. This is a timely addition since the hospital recently became a stroke certified center.
“In some cases patients have partial paralysis and aren’t able to stand during the evaluation and imaging process,” explained Director of Imaging and Cardiology Jose Aponte, B.S., C.N.M.T., R.T. “The imaging chair makes the testing more accurate and the patient more comfortable. It reclines so staff can easily transfer a patient to other areas of the hospital or back into bed.”
Funds for the chair were donated by the Auxiliary volunteers, who manage the hospital gift shop.
“It was clearly a technology the staff needed to provide the best patient care and experience, so we were happy to fund the entire purchase,” said Auxiliary President Sharon Brasher.
The Imaging Department also introduced a new standing platform to help stabilize the patient while taking foot X-rays, to get more accurate images and increase patient comfort.
Two new technologies electronically transmit results into the patient’s electronic health record, including the Intellivue MP30 patient monitor systems and GE treadmill used to measure a patient’s cardiac functioning. Both technologies improve accuracy and eliminate human error.
“The monitor systems enable nurses to focus on providing care to the patient while the machine records vital statistics,” said Director of Family Birth Center, Surgery and Respiratory Therapy Diana Iniguez, R.N., B.S. “Because the monitors are standardized throughout the hospital, the same accessories stay with the patient throughout his or her entire care process.”
Finally, the new STERIS surgical lights enable surgeons and other OR staff to work with brighter, adjustable lighting for optimal patient outcomes.
“We’re so grateful to Sutter Health and our donors,” Iniguez said. “We might be a small, rural hospital, but we have the latest technology and tools to do the best job and provide the best care.”
For information on Sutter Lakeside, visit www.sutterlakeside.org.
