Judy Skelton, R.N., performs a newborn oximeter screening in
the ALMH nursery. |
ALMH
Auxiliary purchases pulse oximeters for OB Unit
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[September 18, 2013]
The ALMH Auxiliary, a group that
supports the services and programs of Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Hospital, recently moved forward with an equipment purchase for the
ALMH Obstetrics Unit.
Three pulse oximeters costing approximately $3,000 have been
purchased. The oximeters are used for screening for congenital heart
defects but can also be used with compromised infants immediately
after birth. This new equipment has the potential to save lives.
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Congenital heart defects, or CHDs, account for nearly 30 percent of
infant deaths due to birth defects. Some babies born with a heart
defect appear healthy at first and may be sent home with their
families before their heart defect is detected. About 300 infants
with unrecognized heart defects are discharged each year from
newborn nurseries. These babies are at risk for having serious
complications within the first few days or weeks of life and often
require emergency care; however, it is possible to identify some of
these defects in advance with proper screening.
Low levels of oxygen in the blood can be a sign of many CHDs and
can be determined by using pulse oximetry, a simple and painless
bedside screening test typically performed at 24 to 48 hours of age.
While ALMH has been conducting the screening on infants since
January, pulse oximetry became a mandated screening test in August.
"Having three pulse oximeters gives us immediate access to
necessary equipment so that we can provide the best care possible,"
said Elizabeth Meyrick, ALMH obstetrics manager. "The ALMH Auxiliary
purchased state-of-the-art oximeters that provide us with the most
accurate results possible. We are very appreciative to the ALMH
Auxiliary for their continued support to improve the health of the
people and communities we serve."
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The ALMH Auxiliary was organized in 1951. The purpose of the
organization is to promote public relations, provide volunteer
services and conduct fundraising activities. Funds raised by group
benefit programs of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. To learn more
about the ALMH Auxiliary and volunteer opportunities, contact Lynne
Metz at 217-605-5701 or visit
www.almh.org.
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]
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