Last fall, the McPherson Healthcare Foundation held its annual auction to benefit McPherson Hospital. The auction included a dinner and both a silent and live auction where invited donors bid from a variety of donated items throughout the evening. Each year during the live auction, the guests are invited to participate in direct support of a particular project or equipment needed at the hospital. This year, new beds for patient rooms was the goal. As with many technologies related to health care, even beds have seen advances that can improve comfort and quality of care for patients.
Though the needed number for beds was higher than the goal, the Foundation set a goal to raise enough money to purchase 10 beds. The donors in attendance apparently saw the greater need and pledged enough funds to purchase 17 beds, totaling $170,000.
Amy Bower, Director of Development for the McPherson Healthcare Foundation said, “The night of the auction was amazing. The enthusiasm from the group of donors when they were presented with the project was exciting. Having hospital staff in attendance to help convey the need and for the crowd to respond illustrates the generosity of our community when there are needs in our hospital.”
“We are so excited to have our new beds,” said Sarah Baker, RN, director of nursing for the inpatient unit. “They have wonderful features for our patients such as USB ports for phones, comfort zones for a better sleep experience, and we can weigh our patients with ease. There is a light system at the foot of each bed to ensure patient safety. The lights indicate whether alarms are set, siderails are up, and if the bed is in the lowest position. This is an easy way for staff as they walk past the room to ensure everything is in place for the patient. Thank you to the Foundation donors for supporting our hospital and providing excellent equipment for our patients.”
The new beds were delivered in December and placed on the Med/Surg (inpatient floor), ICU and the Women’s Care and Birth Center.
McPherson Hospital president and CEO said, “When you think about it, quality beds are such a critical part of the care and comfort of patients as they heal. Having the right equipment in place enhances the experience of patients and the improves the care the hospital staff is able to provide. We are extremely grateful to the McPherson Healthcare Foundation and the donors at the auction for seeing this need and responding in such an impactful way.”