Keystone of Life Foundation purchases Vital Signs Monitor for Peds

Submitted by EKFH on 16-12-2010

The Keystone of Life Foundation is a charitable society started by a group of Royal Arch Masons in 1975.  The foundation is incorporated under the Societies Act and is recognized by the Grand Chapter of BC and Yukon.  The foundation’s objective is to purchase medical equipment for hospitals and similar institutions in BC & Yukon.  Funds to carry out this objective are derived from membership fees, donations, bequests and legacies and fund raising projects.

Details L-R: EKFH Director Judy Gall joins Ryan Comishin (IH 3rd Floor Unit Coordinator), Doug Pepper & Greg Sawchuk (Rocky Mountain Royal Arch Chapter #7) and Chris Shumka (IH Health Services Director, Acute Care) to showcase the new Pediatric Unit vital sign monitor.

This past week members from the Rocky Mountain Royal Arch Chapter #7 in Cranbrook visited the East Kootenay Regional Hospital to celebrate the arrival of the pediatric unit’s vital signs monitor thanks to the gift of $4,315 presented earlier by the Keystone of Life Foundation (the charitable giving foundation of the Royal Arch Masons).   A portion of the gift’s proceeds will also be used to help stock the pediatric’s toy cupboard so that when a child is at the hospital they can choose an item (colouring books, toys, quilts & other selections) to take home when they are discharged. 
 
Doug Pepper (Right Excellent Companion & Past Grand Superintendent) and Greg Sawchuk (Grand Superintendent) shared their thoughts on the recent gift.  “Our members are extremely proud to have been able to purchase this much-needed vital signs monitor for the regional hospital’s pediatric unit.   We feel this type of gift inspires not only our organization but others to become involved in funding equipment that provides the best quality care for the residents of the East Kootenay.   Our chapter believes that children are our future so keeping them healthy is one of the ways we have of helping the leaders of tomorrow.”
 
The vital signs monitor is a portable unit that is used to conduct simple and accurate vital signs assessment or continuous monitoring including non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse rate and MAP; support for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients, a simple to use LCD display; automatic blood pressure mode, programmable alarms, built-in memory capability and intuitive icons.
 
In clinical situations where health care providers face high patient traffic and a multitude of tasks, the vital signs monitor is a cost-effective way to enhance productivity by automating vital signs continuous monitoring, before, during and after procedures, and for routine assessment of vital signs.
 
Donations such as these to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital pediatric unit make such a difference for patient quality and care.  To learn more about equipment funding opportunities for pediatrics or other areas of care, contact East Kootenay Foundation for Health at 250.489.6481 or toll-free 1.877.489.6481.