Red Deer Hospital receives new Electronic Fetal Monitoring system thanks to donors

The Red Deer Regional Hospital will be receiving a new Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) system thanks to generous donations. The EFM monitors fetal heart rates during pregnancy, labour and birth to assess the baby’s well-being.

“The old system printed fetal heart rates on a paper strip, only viewable by staff physically present at the bedside monitor,” she stated. “Moving to an electronic record of the baby’s heart rate allows healthcare providers to consult and make informed decisions from remote locations and expedite transfer when appropriate,” said Sandi Sebastian, Director, RDRHC and Zone Lead Women’s & Children’s Services.

The device was funded through the foundation’s Festival of Trees. Currently, the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is hosting their annual Hospital lottery to help fundraise for other critically needed equipment at the Red Deer Hospital.

“This year, is quite an exceptional year in terms of what we’re fundraising for. We normally choose an area in the hospital and focus our efforts there. This time, we have a capital list of a whole bunch of needs that the hospital has and we also have what we call our ‘critical list’. It's the equipment that if we don't have in very soon, then services may be cancelled. What we’re looking at now is funding our critical list,” said Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

That means there is over 85 pieces of equipment that the Foundation is hoping to begin funding for. Out of those pieces, the money fundraised from the hospital lottery will be going towards whatever is in the highest need.

The Health Foundation is excited for the Red Deer Hospital Expansion but it does mean a bit more work for the organization.

“It puts pressure on us in the best way possible. In terms of the expansion, it is definitely bricks and mortar and needs. The mandate of the Foundation is for a hospital enhancing healthcare. We'll be able to go above and beyond and fund the things that enhance healthcare here in central Alberta,” explained Therriault.

This year, the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation has a goal of reaching one-million-dollars in donations. Up for grabs is large variety of exciting prizes.

“The house itself is valued at 940,000 and it's just shy of 3,000 square feet. It does come furnished again which is really great. It's got a Beachy vibe this year, which is awesome and we have a slew of really amazing prizes. We always try to keep them fun and fresh and different so that people get excited to win something that's unexpected and there's over $1.1 million worth of pricing in total,” she said.

Therriault says every year the lottery exceeds the Foundation’s expectations and looks forward to seeing the support of the community once again. For more information, click here.