Impacting Lives…Working Together
In 2017, Rice Health Foundation provided $1,200,554 to Rice Memorial Hospital to support a variety of programs and services, as well as continuing education, advancing technology and capital equipment. This support is possible because of your donations to Rice Health Foundation designated funds and endowments. Your generosity supports the vitality and quality of care of Rice Memorial Hospital, while improving the health and well-being of the people in west central Minnesota.
The Rice Health Foundation Endowment was established to provide a stable and consistent source of funds to help meet the changing needs in healthcare. Grants from the Foundation Endowment and other donor-advised and designated-purpose endowments accounted for nearly 20% of the $1.2 million. Some of the endowment grants awarded are highlighted here.
Nursing Education – Nursing Preceptor Program
The preceptor program is a part of an extensive nursing orientation at Rice Memorial Hospital. Once a new nurse completes basic orientation, s/he is paired with a trained Preceptor Nurse who guides the new nurse through the first several weeks in a complex and technical nursing environment. Training experienced nurses to become Preceptors is vital to maintaining competent nurses at Rice. Preceptor Nurses voluntarily train for and fulfill this leadership role in the spirit of promoting the nursing profession.
CPR Committee – Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Rice has ten carts throughout the hospital that are used to respond to patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. In the past two years, each resuscitation cart has been outfitted with a new automated external defibrillator. The Foundation partnered with Rice Hospital to expedite the replacement of outdated equipment. The new AED’s are much easier for non-critical care hospital professionals to use.
Infant Radiant Warmer & Neonatal Specialty Items
Specialized equipment is needed to take care of the smallest patients on the Women & Children’s Care unit. A new radiant warmer, needed to stabilize critically ill newborns, replaced a very outdated model. Additional equipment includes overhead phototherapy lights used to treat neonatal jaundice, and special infant seats that help calm inconsolable babies who may be experiencing withdrawals.
ICCU – Sapphire IV Pumps
Multiple IV pumps are needed to care for our sickest patients. New Sapphire Pumps are much more compact than other pumps. Up to nine Sapphire IV pumps can fit on a single pole, with only three cords going to the wall rather than nine. Grant funds help reduce undue congestion in patient rooms and make transporting patients much easier.
Rice Rehab – Advanced Aquatic Therapy Training
Specialized Aquatic Therapy training, specific to certain diagnoses and patients, was made possible with grant dollars. Rice Rehab Center sees a variety of patients, pediatrics through adults, in the pool program. Pool visits have increased over 100% in the past year. Advanced training courses have given therapists additional options and tools to help patients achieve their rehab goals.
Rice Rehab – Cognitive and Memory Care Clinic
Grant funds were used to create a Cognitive and Memory Care Clinic for patients with early onset of dementia or other cognitive/memory issues. Offering an assessment clinic helps meet the needs of patients and those who care for them. The individual’s day will involve a complete and thorough assessment in several areas and disciplines, including Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Social Work, and Pharmacy.