|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts:
Tim Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Community Relations
319-688-7340 or tim.ahlers@mercyic.org
or
Denice Connell, Public Relations Coordinator
319-339-3676 or denice.connell@mercyic.or
HOSPITAL BEDS GO HIGH-TECH WITH GIFT FROM MERCY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
September 21, 2007/Iowa City, IA: Hospitals have been filled with sophisticated technology for some time—especially in areas like x-ray and cardiology. But now the humble patient bed is catching up.
Mercy Hospital Foundation has recently funded the $100,000 purchase of new patient beds for its 4 Center nursing unit. The beds are the first in Iowa to have a new feature called “iBED.” It allows staff members to set safety parameters, such as a specific number of raised siderails. If any of these parameters are broken, an alarm is triggered to alert staff. Likewise, a bed exit alarm can be set to alert staff if a frail or disoriented patient tries to get out of bed. This can help protect patients that are at high risk for falls, among other concerns.
Other features of the new beds include:
- Air mattresses that use a dynamic system to relieve pressure points on the body
- Built-in scales that allow patients to be weighed without disturbing them
- A function that moves the bed into a chair-like position, helping patients to sit up or get out of bed. This also decreases the need for staff lifting, thus reducing potential back injuries.
- Bed controls located in several positions for maximum convenience
“Christmas came early on 4 Center this year,” said Mary Lee Livingston, RN, nurse manager of the unit. “The features on these beds improve safety for patients and staff members alike.”
A portion of the money was raised through the Foundation’s 2006 Love Lights campaign. This campaign gives the public the opportunity to honor or memorialize loved ones with a donation of just $10. In recognition of these gifts, white holiday lights brighten evergreen trees at Mercy Hospital during the Christmas holiday.
"The Foundation is pleased to fund this new generation of beds,” said Julie Johnston, Mercy Hospital Foundation President. “They are really medical equipment, with all the technical features they have to improve patient care and contribute to comfort and healing."
-end-
|
